Tue Oct 28 15:05:25 UTC 2025: Summary of Text

A portion of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway near Munnar, Idukki, caved in due to heavy rain, causing further disruption to the already struggling tourism sector. This incident follows a recent mudslip on the same highway that resulted in one death and damage to several homes. Tourism stakeholders express concern that the repeated incidents are negatively impacting tourism in Munnar, with hotels receiving cancellations and schools reconsidering visits.

News Article

Highway Collapse Further Cripples Munnar Tourism

IDUKKI, October 28, 2025 – A section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Idukki district collapsed on Monday night, adding to the woes of the tourism sector in Munnar. The incident, which occurred at Moolakkada near Pallivasal, was triggered by heavy rainfall, causing the road to cave in around 11:30 p.m. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as there was no vehicular movement at the time.

Authorities from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have stated that single-lane traffic is still possible, and construction of a retaining wall is underway. However, this latest incident follows a devastating mudslip that occurred just days earlier at Koombanpara near Adimaly, claiming the life of one person and destroying multiple homes.

The repeated collapses and mudslips along the highway are having a significant impact on Munnar’s tourism industry. “Normally, the hill station witnesses a tourist rush these days. But after the incidents, Munnar town appeared deserted, which has negatively impacted our business sector,” a local vendor lamented.

G. Sojan, coordinator of My Munnar Movement, reported a wave of cancellations following the Adimaly mudslip. “Normally, during the November-December period, the hill station sees the arrival of school tours from various parts of the country. After the news of the mudslip, we received information that the schools and groups were rethinking their visit to Munnar,” he said.

The Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway is a vital route connecting tourists from Tamil Nadu and Kerala to the popular hill station. The ongoing disruptions are causing considerable concern among tourism stakeholders, who fear long-term damage to Munnar’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination. The recent mudslips which took place in July on the same highway, near the old Goverment College, have also created traffic disruptions on this route for many days.

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