Kuthiran tunnel unsafe: Tomin J Thachankary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) has raised objections to the one-kilometre-long Kuthiran twin tunnel on the Mannuthy-Vadakkancherry national highway citing lack of safety measures. In a letter sent to the PWD principal secretary the other day, FRS director general Tomin J. Thachankary said that the plan for obtaining fire safety clearance for the tunnel and certificate of approval might be submitted before its commissioning.

Mr Thachankary cited that neglecting the safety measures as per the existing rules of the state as well as the code of Indian Road Congress could pose a danger in case of fire or accidents inside the tunnel. "Fires within tunnels is an immediate and extreme danger to the life of the users in the facility, due to the potential concentration of fumes and poisonous gases, temperature and heat radiation that can reach temperatures of 1200 degree Celsius and above. Fires inside tunnels have not only caused many casualties but major disasters too," his letter says.

Mr Thachankary initiated the steps after he got a set of representations against the much-hyped tunnel readying for commissioning soon.  He also cited that the violation of the rules could also result in numerous litigation for higher compensations in case of any unfortunate incident. Sources said that it would require about Rs 10 to Rs 15 crore for installing the safety systems as prescribed by the rules.