Kuthiran: The Kuthiran twin tunnel, built on the Salem-Kochi National Highway 544 as a relief to travellers, has become synonymous with a miserable journey. 

The construction of the double tunnel, which cost crores of rupees, took over a decade to complete. Currently, one of the tunnels has been closed for several months due to concrete-laying work. 

Additionally, the functioning tunnel experiences frequent power outages during traffic, making travel difficult due to uncontrollable heat and dust.

Slippery ground with mud and grass

During the rain, large amounts of mud stick to the tyres of the vehicles and accumulate in the tunnel. This mud is a growing ground for grass and is a common place for two-wheeler accidents due to the slippery surface. Many vehicles cannot brake on slippery surfaces. Even though the company is responsible for the removal of mud from the highway, none of this work is carried out.

It has been more than two months since one of the tunnels was closed for construction works, on the assurance that it would be completed before the rains. But this assurance of it lays hopeless. The officials explained that the construction would be completed within two weeks, and the tunnel would be opened for traffic. However, that is unlikely.

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Grass growing on mud in the tunnel

Unbearable noise

Meanwhile, the noise pollution inside the tunnel is unbearable due to the sound of vehicles passing in both directions simultaneously. Those who travel in open vehicles and buses are the most affected. Traffic jams worsen the situation. This can only be solved by opening both the tunnels.

Heat, dust, suffocation on repeat

A temperature sensing system was initially installed inside the tunnel but is no longer functional. Due to the exhaust fumes from the vehicles and the heat in the atmosphere, the temperature inside the tunnel is very high. The exhaust fans installed in the system expel the dust particles only to one side. However, it became inoperative as vehicles came from both sides through the single tunnel. Severe shortness of breath is felt while going through the tunnel. The situation will worsen if there is a traffic jam in Kuthiran.

Darkness gives way to danger

Frequent power outages are another problem. The agreement was to have a self-powered generator in the tunnel at any moment, but the company has not followed through. Due to the lack of light, vehicle collisions are common in the tunnel.

Change of company, unscientific construction

After opening, the tunnel had to be closed again, and work was carried out due to an unscientific construction. The problem was that the tunnel was opened before it was fully concreted. Pragati Engineering and Rail Projects, which initially undertook the construction of the tunnel, was excluded after it was blacklisted. Currently, the work is being carried out by KMC Company. They are also the ones who undertook the construction of the Mannuthy-Vadakkencherry National Highway. Currently, KMC has handed over the project to a company called Secura. Representatives of the new company are not ready to comment on the progress of the work.