Mudslip threat: Thamarassery Ghat Road closed again to vehicular traffic

The Thamarassery Ghat Road has been closed again to vehicular traffic following the recurrence of mud slip and rock fall near the ninth hairpin curve. The ban which was put in place on Tuesday (August 26, 2025) and partly lifted on Wednesday (August 27) to allow stranded vehicles to pass, was reinstated due to safety concerns raised by various government departments and the police.

According to the District Disaster Management Authority officials, the area remains vulnerable to further mudslips and vehicular traffic will not be permitted until further notice. Though a huge pile of mud, rocks and debris had already been removed from the spot, the possible recurrence of further incidents could not be ruled out, they said.

The reinstated traffic curbs on Thursday (August 28) caused a significant disruption to the inter-district and inter-State movement of vehicles on NH 766 through the Thamarassery pass. Hundreds of vehicles, including buses and heavily loaded goods carriers were diverted through the Kuttiyadi pass.

As part of the stringent traffic regulations, vehicles were blocked at Adivaram and Lakkidi with the support of traffic police officers. Instructions were also issued to divert vehicles from Malappuram to Wayanad district via the Nadukani Ghat Road until further orders.

“We have asked the rescue squads to remain prepared to meet any emergency situations. The heavy rains continue to be a challenge amidst the heightened vigil,” said a senior police officer from Thamarassery. He said the road would be reopened only after securing clearance from the District-level Disaster Management Authority based on the field-level inspections.

Revenue department officials said the support of police would be sought to ensure an uninterrupted vehicular movement through the Kuttiyadi pass, one of the easily accessible alternative routes. They said arrangements were in place to post additional policemen on the Kuttiyadi pass to regulate traffic and enforce proper lane traffic discipline.