Marayoor: Travellers crossing the check-posts in Marayoor will now be alerted in advance about elephants, bison, or heavy fog on the road, helping them avoid accidents and ensuring safer travel.

The initiative has been introduced under the Marayoor Sandalwood Division at the Chattamunnar check-post on the Munnar–Udumalpet interstate highway and the Pius Nagar check-post on the Marayoor–Kanthalloor road.

For the first time in Kerala, the Forest Department has set up digital display boards to issue real-time alerts. If successful, the system may be extended to other areas.

These boards flash messages such as “Misty road,” “Elephants on the road,” and “Go slow” to alert both incoming and outgoing travellers.

Wild elephants, including the rogue tusker Padayappa, are regularly seen between Chattamunnar–Munnar and Marayoor–Chinnar along the Munnar–Udumalpet route. Many accidents occur when drivers lose sight of the road due to dense fog. Similarly, elephant herds often cause accidents along the Pius Nagar–Kanthalloor stretch.

It was in this context that the Forest Department implemented the warning system, said Divisional Forest Officer P. J. Suhaib.

According to Range Officer Abju K. Arun, forest officials will monitor and share information about elephant movements. If elephants are spotted near the road, the department will immediately update the digital display boards to warn travellers in advance.