Strong Winds Cover Dhanushkodi Road with Sand, Motorists Demand Protective Barrier

Ramanathapuram, August 23 — The coastal stretch of Dhanushkodi has been battered by strong winds over the past two days following the formation of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, leaving the road near the Dhanushkodi lighthouse buried under sand. Vehicles have been stranded as a result, with motorists urging authorities to construct a protective wall to prevent recurring sand accumulation.

Dhanushkodi, located near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district, attracts thousands of tourists daily. Visitors come to witness remnants of the 1964 cyclone, including the ruins of a church, a railway station, and the striking seascape of the ghost town.

In recent days, the rough sea and turbulent winds caused by the Bay of Bengal depression have transformed the road between Dhanushkodi and Arichalmunai into a sand-covered stretch resembling a desert. Vehicles traveling to the tourist hotspot are forced to move cautiously, often appearing as though they are navigating through sand dunes. Motorcyclists face particular risks, with two-wheelers frequently getting stuck in the loose sand, posing safety concerns.

Motorists have demanded that a permanent protective barrier be erected along the vulnerable stretches of the Dhanushkodi road. They also urged the National Highways Department to regularly clear the accumulated sand to ensure safe passage for both locals and tourists.