1 week ago
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The National Highway Protection Council (NHPC) staged a protest at Adimaly in Idukki on Saturday, demanding the immediate resumption of construction on the 14.5-km Neriamangalam–Valara stretch of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway. The protest was inaugurated by Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose.
Work on the crucial stretch has remained stalled since July 2025 following a Kerala High Court order restricting road widening and tree felling. The stay was issued in response to a petition filed by Idukki-based environmentalist M.N. Jayachandran.
Although the State government recently submitted a fresh affidavit, prompting the court to direct the Chief Secretary to issue orders to resume construction, the NHPC alleged that the directive has not yet been implemented.
“The court directed the Chief Secretary to facilitate the resumption of work on this 14.5-kilometre stretch,” said Rasak Chooravelil, general convenor, NHPC. “However, the necessary order is yet to be issued. We urge the government to intervene immediately. The order should be signed before the notification for the upcoming Assembly elections is issued,” he said.
Mr. Chooravelil described the current condition of the road as “pathetic,” stating that vehicular movement has become increasingly difficult. The Neriamangalam–Valara stretch serves as the main artery for travellers heading to the Munnar hill station. Its narrow carriageway, sharp hairpin bends, and frequent incidents of tree falls pose serious safety risks to tourists and daily commuters alike. On weekends and holidays, the stretch is notorious for traffic snarls lasting several hours.
The delay in construction has emerged as a major political flashpoint in Idukki, with both the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the NHPC staging a series of protests to press the government into action.
Devikulam MLA A. Raja said road widening and tarring works on the Neriamangalam–Valara stretch are expected to begin soon.
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