The National Highway Protection Council (NHPC) protested at Adimaly in Idukki on Saturday. They want construction to restart immediately on the 14.5-km Neriamangalam–Valara section of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway. Work stopped in July 2025 after a Kerala High Court order blocked road widening and tree cutting. This came after a petition by Idukki environmentalist M.N. Jayachandran. Though the state government gave a new affidavit, and the court told the Chief Secretary to allow work to resume, NHPC says the order has not been acted on yet. "The court directed the Chief Secretary to facilitate the resumption of work on this 14.5-kilometre stretch," said Rasak Chooravelil, NHPC general convenor. "However, the necessary order is yet to be issued. We urge the government to intervene immediately. The order should be signed before the notification for the upcoming Assembly elections is issued." Chooravelil called the road's condition "pathetic," explaining that traffic is getting harder daily. This stretch is the main route to Munnar hill station. Its narrow road, sharp turns, and falling trees make it unsafe for tourists and commuters. On busy days, traffic jams last hours. The delay has become a political issue in Idukki. The United Democratic Front (UDF) and NHPC have both protested to pressure the government. Devikulam MLA A. Raja said that road widening and tarring work are expected to start soon.