With clearing operation partially completed, traffic was restored with the movement of small vehicles on the Bodi-Munnar Highway here on Thursday. However, rain delayed the rescue operation at three spots where landslips occurred on the Theni-Kumuli Highway.
“Buses and heavy vehicles can be operated from Friday on the Bodi-Munnar Highway. Work is in full swing,” Assistant Director of Highways D. Raja said.
Incessant rain since this morning worsened the situation, turning the highway slushy and muddy. Earthmoving equipment was used to clear the wet soil that the landslip dumped on the Highway near Iraichal Bridge on Wednesday night. Slush rendered the ghat road unfit for vehicular traffic, which was halted on Wednesday night.
But the Kerala bandh has helped the officials expedite the work as buses proceeding to Kumuli were halted at Lower Camp and private vehicles were diverted through Cumbum Mettu Road to Kerala. The work needed some more days to be completed, the officials opined.
Landslip happened owing to severe drought and wilting of herbs and shrubs. With no small plants and tiny roots, the soil lost its strength. A huge flow from upper ridges cracked loose soil and caused landslips, officials said.
Technical experts said a retention wall along the highway to Iraichal Bridge and the two other points was necessary.
Massive landslips at three places on the Kumuli-Theni Highway and one on the Bodi-Munnar Highway snapped road link to Kerala on Wednesday night.
