**Executive Summary**
This document is the response of the Minister of Road Transport and Highways to an unstarred question No. 16, answered on January 29th, 2026, regarding the Thamarassery-Churam ghat section of National Highway (NH)-766. The response addresses alternative routes, landslide mitigation, landslide data since 2019, black spot identification, and road safety measures. The development of NH-766 will be firmed up based on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) outcome.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Alternative Routes and Connectivity (NH-766):**
* An expert team has examined the ghat section between Thamarassery-Churam on NH-766.
* Short-term and long-term measures have been recommended and are being coordinated with state authorities.
* Long-term measures for stabilization and geometric improvements, including bypass/alternative connectivity, will be included in the development of NH-766 and based on the DPR outcome.
* **Landslide Mitigation:**
* Site-specific measures, including slope stabilization, drainage improvement, protective works, and traffic management are undertaken in coordination with the State Government.
* Landslides/mud-slips affecting NH-766 are attended to through debris clearance, emergency restoration, and temporary traffic regulation.
* Landslide/mud-slip incidents since 2019 in the Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency are listed year-wise.
* 2019: One landslip reported from km 30/000 to km 57/000 (Thamarassery to Lakkidi)
* 2020: NIL
* 2021: NIL
* 2022: One landslip reported from km 45/000 to km 61/000 (Adivaram to Lakkidi)
* 2023: NIL
* 2024: From km 67/000 to km 71/000 (Chundale to Kalpetta)
* 2024: From km 45/500 to km 57/000 (Adivaram to Lakkidi)
* 2025: One landslip reported at km 56/500 near Lakkidi View Point
* **Black Spots and Road Safety:**
* 32 accident-prone black spots were identified on NH-766 based on accident data from 2016-2022.
* Rectification measures, such as signage, road markings, and crash barriers, have been implemented for identified black spots.
* Permanent rectification of black spots is included in the scope of the DPR work.
* Road safety on NH-766 is reviewed periodically and further measures are taken based on-site conditions and technical assessment.
**Impact Analysis**
**Impact**
* Affected by measures to improve road safety, develop alternative routes, mitigate landslides, and address accident-prone areas on NH-766 within the Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency.
**Action Required**
* None Specified.
Key Entities Referenced
NH-766: National Highway 766, the subject of the parliamentary question, specifically concerning the ghat section of Thamarassery-Churam and Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: The primary government body responsible for answering the parliamentary question regarding NH-766.
Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency: The parliamentary constituency where the issues related to NH-766 are being addressed.
Thamarassery-Churam: A ghat section on NH-766 specifically mentioned regarding alternative routes and landslides
Detailed Project Report (DPR): Document mentioned for including bypass/alternative connectivity.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 16
ANSWERED ON 29th JANUARY, 2026
GHAT SECTION OF THAMARASSERY-CHURAM ON NH-766
16. SMT. PRIYANKA GANDHI VADRA
Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
(a) whether the Government proposes to develop alternative
routes on the ghat section of Thamarassery-Churam on National
Highway (NH)-766;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the current status including details
of the Chippilithode-Maruthilavu-Thalippuzha bypass road;
(c) whether long-term measures taken/being taken by the
Government to mitigate landslips on NH-766 in Wayanad Lok Sabha
Constituency, if so, the details thereof;
(d) the details of landslips/mud-slips reported on NH-766 in
Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency since 2019 including the locations
thereof, year-wise;
(e) the details of accident-prone black spots identified on NH-766
in Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency and the action taken by the
Government to rectify the same; and
(f) whether the Government proposes to take further measures to
improve road safety on NH766 in Wayanad Lok Sabha Constituency
and if so, the details thereof?ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) & (b) The ghat section between Thamarassery–Churam on
National Highway (NH)-766 has been examined by an expert team and
short-term and long-term measures have been recommended. Short-
term safety and slope protection measures are being coordinated with
the State authorities. Long-term measures, including permanent
stabilization and geometric improvements, and/or any
bypass/alternative connectivity will be included in the development of
NH-766 and shall be firmed up based on the outcome of the Detailed
Project Report (DPR), subject to feasibility and statutory clearances.
(c) To mitigate landslides in the said stretch, site-specific measures
such as slope stabilization, drainage improvement, protective works
and traffic management are being undertaken from time to time in
coordination with the State Government.
(d) Landslides/mud-slips affecting NH-766 are attended to as and
when they occur through debris clearance, emergency restoration and
temporary traffic regulation, in coordination with the State authorities.
During the period since 2019, following landslide/mud-slip incidents
have been reported in the Wayanad Parliamentary
Constituency, particularly in Thamarassery Churam/ghat sections,
during monsoon season including notable events in 2019, 2022, 2024
and 2025:
Year Details of Landslides
2019 One landslip reported from km 30/000 to km 57/000
(Thamarassery to Lakkidi)
2020 NIL
2021 NIL
2022 One landslip reported from km 45/000 to km 61/000 (Adivaram
to Lakkidi)
2023 NIL2024 From km 67/000 to km 71/000 (Chundale to Kalpetta)
From km 45/500 to km 57/000 (Adivaram to Lakkidi)
2025 One landslip reported at km 56/500 near Lakkidi View Point
(e) Based on accident data during various assessment cycles from
2016–2022 at various locations, a total of 32 accident-prone black
spots have been identified on NH-766. Rectification measures such as
provision of signage, road markings, crash barriers, etc. for all
identified black spots have already been carried
out. Permanent rectification of blackspots is included in the scope of
the DPR work.
(f) Road safety on NH-766 is reviewed periodically. Further
measures, wherever required, are taken based on-site conditions and
technical assessment.
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