Railway Overbridge Delays Trigger Traffic Gridlock in Thiruvananthapuram
In Thiruvananthapuram, the railways have failed to complete critical road overbridge projects intended to replace level crossings across the district, exacerbating road traffic congestion. Despite some of these initiatives being integral to the doubling of the southern railway line, progress remains sluggish, causing significant disruptions for commuters and motorists alike.
Key Crossings Remain Incomplete
The level crossings at Arikadamukku near Thiruvananthapuram South, in the Karamana-Kunjalumoodu area, and at Kanthalur are notably unfinished. To date, only the road overbridge at Studio Road near Thiruvananthapuram South has been completed, leaving many areas vulnerable to traffic delays. Liyons J of Friends on Rails highlighted the issue, stating, "Many level crossings are yet to be replaced with subways or road overbridges." This situation not only holds up motorists but also imposes speed restrictions on trains, further complicating transportation efficiency.
Missed Deadlines and Progress Hurdles
Sources indicate that while the doubling of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari line and redevelopment work at Thiruvananthapuram South station are advancing, they have missed their initial deadline. The railways had projected completion by March, but it is now estimated that the work will not be finished for another two to three months. Although land has been cleared and civil work is ongoing at the South railway station, the commencement of road overbridge construction has yet to begin.
Uneven Work Distribution and Local Concerns
The railways are executing the line-doubling work in small, segmented sections. Recently, the focus shifted to completing the doubling of the Nagercoil-Eraniel stretch, which has inadvertently slowed progress closer to Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. A resident, whose land was acquired for the project, criticized the approach, saying, "The work is not being carried out in a uniform manner." This uneven distribution of efforts has led to delays in critical infrastructure upgrades.
Railway Response and Safety Measures
A railway official assured that the doubling work is progressing and is nearing Thiruvananthapuram, with plans to simultaneously initiate road overbridge projects. While not all level crossings will be replaced, many have been converted into manned and interlocked ones to enhance safety. However, the ongoing delays continue to pose challenges for daily commuters and highlight the need for more coordinated and expedited action to alleviate traffic congestion in the region.
