Portion of Ponmudi Road caves in; traffic fully hit

Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic along the Ponmudi Road was completely disrupted on Monday after a major portion of the road at the 12th curve caved in.
The incident occurred when sidewall works were progressing on the stretch. During heavy showers in September, part of the same road had caved in. However, traffic was partially allowed along the stretch.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has handed over the stretch for upgradation to Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP).
According to project officials, traffic will be completely halted and sidewall protection works are expected to be completed within two to three weeks. The road will be reopened for traffic after work.
The road to the ‘layams’ where 200 families reside has been completely cut off following the incident. Five employees on duty at Ponmudi station were also stuck. No visitors are currently staying at the KTDC hotel.
Ponmudi ward member Radhamani said that people from the settlement used to take this road to reach Kallar and other nearby areas for work and other needs. The nearest hospital is 18km away, which can be accessed via this road. The children in the settlement also use this road to reach schools. Monday was a holiday and children remained at home.
The authorities said that heavy showers for the past two days may have triggered the slide.
The residents hope that they can travel using two-wheelers for various needs but are apprehensive about other emergency travel requirements.