No trouble for vehicles taking southern districts’ route to Kerala

Sources said traffic on the Ghat road from Bodimettu, which was affected by landslides caused by heavy rain, was restored by authorities. 

Although the meteorological department has predicted more rains in coming days, the officials are hoping for clear skies so that the road link remains open.

Sources also said the traffic on Kanniyakumari- Ganapathiyankadavu road, which leads to Kerala, has been restored and vehicles are plying as usual. The stretch was closed briefly for five hours on August 15 after the Thamirabarani overflowed. 

Situation was also normal on other trunk roads like the Kanniyakumari- Pazhaya Uchakkada road and Aralvaimozhi- Nedumangad road. 

The restoration work on the Kumuli road, which was recently damaged due to landslides, are expected to be over soon. At present, sand bags are being placed to fill the affected portions. 

It may be noted that traffic on this stretch was blocked over the last couple of days. Meanwhile, there is a possibility of a new road link to Kerala from Theni district. 

Highways department sources said they have sent a proposal to the State government for laying a new 14-km long road from Kurangani to Top Station, which is the last connecting village on TN border. A survey was recently carried out in this regard. 

Currently, Kerala is being accessed through Bodimettu road, Kumuli road and Cumbummettu road from Theni district. 

On another proposal to extend the road from Thevaram to Sakkaluthumettu, sources said the Highways department is facing difficulties to obtain permission. As Thevaram is said to be an elephant corridor, the Forest department is hesitant to give a go-ahead to the project. 

People, especially cardamom estate workers, expressed happiness over the proposed Kurangani-Top Station road, stating that it would considerably reduce their travelling distance and journey time. 

Workers in most of the villages in Theni district commute daily to cardamom estates in Kerala, Malaiarasan, a worker, said.