Arichamunai stretch closed for traffic

The National Highways Authority of India has closed the stretch between Dhanushkodi and Arichamunai, the eastern tip of Rameswaram island, after a portion of the outer wall of the roundtana at Arichamunai point was damaged following coastal erosion.

A 20-metre portion of the outer wall was damaged after high tide waves hit the wall and eroded the sand under the wall, officials said. The waves were intense after the onset of northeast monsoon a couple of days ago, they said. The sea came very close to the outer wall and the damage was reported on Friday night, they said.

Highway officials closed the 4.5-km-long stretch as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident.

Police guards posted at Dhanushkodi prevented tourists and pilgrims from proceeding beyond the point on Sunday, officials said. To prevent further damage to the wall, the NHAI officials worked round the clock since Saturday morning and placed boulders at the damaged portion.

The stretch will be opened for traffic after two or three days, they said.

The 9.5-km-long road — 5 km from Mukuntharayar Chathiram to Dhanushkodi and 4.5 km from Dhanushkodi to Arichamunai was built at the total cost of ₹70 crore three years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated it in July 27, 2017.