Valparai–Pollachi Ghat Road Landslide Strands Passengers Overnight

Coimbatore: A landslide and the fall of a massive boulder near the second hairpin bend on the Valparai–Pollachi ghat road on Tuesday night brought traffic to a standstill, leaving several residents, tourists and motorists stranded near Aliyar Toll Plaza.

Passengers travelling on buses from Valparai were among those affected, with several alleging that they were left without food, drinking water and other basic necessities during the prolonged wait.

Passengers and motorists who had travelled between Valparai, Pollachi and other plains areas were forced to wait near the toll plaza after the landslide blocked the hill road. With traffic movement disrupted, many were unable to continue their journeys and had to remain stranded overnight.

According to those affected, the sudden disruption left them without adequate alternative arrangements. Families travelling with children reportedly struggled to obtain food and drinking water during the night, while mothers accompanying infants faced particular difficulties.

The lack of temporary relief measures and clear information about road clearance and the restoration of traffic triggered anger among the stranded passengers. Some reportedly entered into heated arguments with officials who arrived at the location for rescue and relief operations, demanding immediate assistance for those affected.

The stranded passengers urged the concerned departments to provide essential supplies and expedite the removal of the fallen boulders. They also called for the swift restoration of traffic on the Valparai–Pollachi ghat road to enable residents, tourists and other motorists to reach their destinations.