Heavy rain triggers mudslips above Kuthiran tunnels; safety inspection underway
Thrissur: Authorities on Friday launched a detailed inspection of the Kuthiran twin tunnels on the NH 544 Kochi-Salem highway after minor mudslips were reported on the hillside above the eastern side of the tunnels following heavy rain.
The mudslips were noticed above the middle section of the twin tunnels near the entrance and exit points, prompting an immediate inspection by the district administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
District Collector Shikha Surendran, NHAI officials and MLA K. Rajan visited the site to assess the situation.
Speaking to reporters, Rajan said NHAI engineers would carry out a detailed inspection of the hilltop above the tunnels. A Forest Department team has also been asked to access the area through a side route to assist the inspection.
"The priority is to determine whether heavy rainfall has created new water channels above the tunnels, as increased runoff could lead to further soil movement," Rajan said.
The District Collector said a preliminary inspection carried out from inside the tunnels found no immediate structural threat.
"However, the top of the hill is yet to be examined. Forest officials and NHAI personnel are climbing the hill to check whether drainage channels are blocked or if water has accumulated above the tunnels," Surendran said.
She added that the administration had sought assistance from a geotechnical engineering expert at a local engineering college and was also exploring the availability of engineers from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Thiruvananthapuram.
"The rock formation appears stable, but we need to assess how much loose soil remains and whether there is any risk of further sliding," she said.
As a precaution, the district administration is also preparing an alternative traffic diversion through the old Kuthiran road in case experts identify any safety concerns.
"If the inspection reveals any danger, traffic through the tunnels will be halted despite the inconvenience to commuters," the Collector said.
PTI