Crack on Nadukani pass: Traffic restricted

MALAPPURAM: A crack appeared on the Nadukani pass on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu interstate highway, partially obstructing traffic through the pass on Sunday morning. The crack, which is three centimetres wide and 100 metres long, appeared on the Tamil Nadu side of the pass at Anna Nagar in Thazhe Nadukani near the Poabson Estate.The traffic through the pass had been interrupted several times as a result ofmultiple landslides and heavy rain on both sides of the border since Wednesday night. The traffic was restored earlier after efforts made by Kerala and Tamil Nadu officials.Though movement of only goods vehicles and heavy vehicles has been restricted now, the authorities don’t rule out the chances of a complete traffic ban. However, the assistant divisional engineer, state highways, who inspected the condition of the crack, said that traffic can be allowed through the road partially.The traffic regulation on the road, which is a major accessing link to tourist spots like Ootty, may cause difficulty to the public in the upcoming holidays. Moreover, the goods vehicles from Tamil Nadu aiming the festival markets may also get trapped, said an official.Similar cracks had appeared on the road about four years ago in the monsoon season, forcing the authorities to ban the traffic.