Structural Safety Concerns Emerge Along Kochi's Busy NH-66 Corridor
Fresh concerns over structural integrity have surfaced along Kochi's busiest transit corridor after multiple cracks were discovered in a crucial underpass located beneath the approach road to the Vyttila Railway Overbridge. The National Highways Authority of India has responded by ordering a comprehensive safety audit of all structures along the Kochi–Aroor stretch of National Highway 66.
Critical Underpass Shows Significant Damage
The narrow underpass, originally constructed in 1997, serves as a vital 'escape route' connecting the Vyttila Mobility Hub to Subhash Chandra Bose Road, commonly known as Old Thammanam Road. This passage allows smaller vehicles to bypass the heavily congested Vyttila Junction, making it an essential component of local traffic management. The discovered cracks extend from the top of the concrete retaining wall all the way down to its base, raising serious questions about the structure's long-term stability and safety.
NHAI Engages Expert Institute for Thorough Inspection
As the maintaining authority, NHAI has formally engaged the Central Road Research Institute to conduct detailed inspections of the Railway Overbridge along with adjacent flyovers and bridges along the bypass extending up to Aroor. A senior NHAI official confirmed that "CRRI will soon conduct site visits and recommend permanent solutions for any structural issues identified during their assessment."
Soil Settlement Identified as Contributing Factor
Officials have attributed the damage partly to soil settlement—the gradual compression of reclaimed land upon which numerous structures along this corridor were originally built. This geological phenomenon has resulted in uneven gradients and abrupt level changes at multiple flyovers, including the Aroor bridge where temporary repairs were recently implemented.
Local Officials and Residents Voice Urgent Concerns
Vyttila councillor V P Chandran reported that widening cracks have appeared on both sides of the underpass wall, prompting immediate calls for intervention. Originally designed as a four-metre-wide passage for light vehicles and pedestrians, the underpass has experienced dramatically increased usage following the opening of the Vytilla flyover in 2021, which diverted substantial heavy traffic through this narrow passageway.
Residents Demand Comprehensive Solutions Beyond Temporary Fixes
While immediate safety remains the primary focus, the Ernakulam District Residents Associations' Apex Council is advocating for more than just temporary repairs. EDRAAC President Rangadasa Prabhu emphasized that "widening the underpass is no longer optional but a necessity for public safety." The council plans to escalate the issue with relevant authorities including the district collector.
Traffic Increase Overstresses Aging Infrastructure
Resident groups have consistently demanded widening of the structure, arguing that increased traffic volumes have placed excessive stress on the aging infrastructure. The Public Works Department and Kochi Corporation have been engaged in discussions with NHAI regarding potential widening, though progress has been hampered by funding disagreements. A senior PWD official noted that "the central agency has previously requested that the state government bear the cost of widening, a point of contention that has stalled the widening proposal for several years."
The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining aging urban infrastructure while accommodating growing traffic demands in one of Kerala's most important commercial hubs.
