Chilly weather triggers a surge in tourism, Munnar witnesses hours-long traffic blocks

Snowfall in the upper reaches of the mountains as well as the chilly weather that has desccended on the Munnar hills, severe traffic congestion, with vehicles stranded for four to five hours on major routes has become a recurrign sight. Stakeholders said that for the past week, the destination has been paralysed by hours-long traffic blocks. Recently, Idukki District Police Chief K.M. Sabu Mathew’s vehicle was also trapped in the congestion.

The traffic crisis turned fatal on Sunday when a 35-year-old man died after the vehicle transporting him got stuck in a snarl. Mariswami Palraj, a resident of Vattavada-Koviloor, was found vomiting blood at his home on Sunday morning. Relatives and neighbours attempted to rush him to Munnar, located around 43 km from Koviloor. However, the vehicle was trapped for hours enroute; by the time they reached Top Station, Mariswami had lost his life.

According to sources, Munnar is currently experiencing overcrowding that far exceeds its carrying capacity, especially on holidays. “The arrival of tourists is many times higher than what the destination can handle. Large tourist buses often get stuck on narrow roads, creating a block that lasts for hours,” said a source. “On Christmas Day, many tourists were trapped in their vehicles for hours without access to drinking water or basic toilet facilities. An e-pass system, similar to those in Ooty and Kodaikanal, could help regulate vehicle flow,” said the source.

Vinod Vattekkatt, a managing committee member of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), noted that while blockages are normal during weekends, the current situation is extreme. “Increasing the number of traffic police at major spots would help. Furthermore, Munnar lacks proper parking facilities. Most roads are narrow, and when tourists park on the roadside, it results in hours of gridlock,” said Mr. Vattekkatt.

G. Sojan, coordinator of the ‘My Munnar Movement,’ suggested implementing a dedicated bus service system from Rajamala, Mattupetty, and Top Station to the town. These three routes see the most rush at weekends and holidays. A shuttle service would allow tourists to see the sights while keeping private vehicles off the narrowest roads,” he explained.

Anil P.B., Vice President of the Greens Munnar initiative, suggested that a multi-level parking system on Devikulam Road is essential to decongest Munnar town.

The temperature drop in the second week of December continues to attract lakhs of tourists eager to experience the chilly weather and frost-covered grasslands, but many are trapped in the block, and the dream vacation is turning into a nightmare for many.