Dhanushkodi road out of reach for public

Though the 10-kilometre stretch, which was completed at an estimated Rs 50 crore two months ago, did not officially open, top officials and politicians use it on the sly to travel to Dhanushkodi, aver locals. Devotees and tourists are forced to hire four-wheel drive vans and jeeps to go to Arichalmunai for religious rites. Officials said they were yet to get permission from the central government to open the new stretch which forms part of NH 45 connecting Dhanushkodi with Kochi. “It would be opened once permission was received” officials added. 

However, owners of the 60 vehicles which ferry passengers are against the road as they feel it will affect their livelihood. Jeeps and vans currently use a mud-encrusted, sandy stretch with water on either side. During summer, the road is submerged under two-feet deep water from 2 pm, whereas during the monsoon the stretch is almost always underwater due to rain. The area hit the headlines recently when a van carrying passengers and crossing the submerged road stopped due to engine failure. The passengers were in for a shock as the water entered the vehicle. They were rescued by another van and the stranded vehicle was towed out after much trouble. 

Asked about the risk, driver Thanasu said. “We do not call it risk. Passengers want the thrill of travelling amidst sea water and so we provide what they look for in a safe manner.” R Venketesan from Madurai who did not mind taking the sandy stretch to Arichalmunai to perform religious rites, however wished that the highway is opened at the earliest for the safety of tourists.