Kerala Minister K Rajan Assures Swift Restoration of Thamarassery Pass

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 29 (PTI): Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan has announced efforts to swiftly restore the Thamarassery pass to a motorable state. This crucial route connects the Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. On Thursday, Minister Rajan convened a meeting with Collectors and key officials from the affected districts. During this meeting, experts highlighted the need to assess the extent of cracks in the hilltop near the pass. To conduct such inspections, a brief dry spell is essential to deploy the appropriate equipment.

The Minister explained via a television channel that, as a temporary measure, light vehicles might be permitted to use a single lane of the pass when the rains subside. However, heavy vehicles will remain restricted from using this route. An alternative road through Kuttiyadi in Wayanad is being prepared for increased traffic. Notably, landslides have also affected Kuttiyadi, but debris has been cleared to keep the road operational. Public Works Department has been instructed to make any necessary repairs to this route to handle increased traffic.

Minister Rajan elaborated that after the landslides on August 26, debris was quickly cleared, rendering the route passable by the next day. Unfortunately, subsequent landslides on Thursday forced a halt to traffic. Observations of a crack with water seeping from the rock face raised safety concerns. "Safety of travellers is paramount, and we cannot risk an accident for temporary convenience during Onam celebrations," he emphasized. He expressed optimism that the pass might be suitable for heavy vehicles by Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed a letter to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging rapid restoration of traffic on the Thamarassery pass. She also requested an expert committee be dispatched to study measures to prevent recurring landslides on this vital lifeline for Wayanad residents.