Reference

The construction of the Kuthiran Tunnel faced delays due to several reasons:

1. Delay in Gantry Structure: The construction was slowed down due to a delay on the company's side in making the gantry structure, which took them three months Onmanorama.

2. Protests from Political Parties: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) informed the court that the work got delayed due to protests from both the ruling party and the opposition Mathrubhumi English.

3. Payment Issues: The opening of the twin tunnels at Kuthiran was delayed further as the work stalled once again over payment issues Onmanorama.

4. Subcontracting and Delays: NHAI subcontracted many of these jobs to local companies, which resulted in delays in meeting schedules, workers' strikes, and deliberate attempts to throttle the project Reddit.

5. Unscientific Construction: After opening, the tunnel had to be closed again for work due to unscientific construction Mathrubhumi English.

6. Safety Concerns and Geological Issues: There were possibilities of mud slip, fall of boulders, and trees at the entrance of the tunnel unless the upper portion was protected, indicating geological issues that could have caused delays Times of India.

7. Landslides: Works inside the tunnels were halted due to landslides, which is a significant geological challenge in tunnel construction Deccan Chronicle.

These factors collectively contributed to the delays in the construction of the Kuthiran Tunnel. Here are some images showcasing the Kuthiran Tunnel and its surroundings: