Smart Road Upgrade Fails to Prevent Recurring Pipeline Bursts in Thiruvananthapuram
Residents along the 1.6-kilometer Killipalam–Attakkulangara Bypass in Thiruvananthapuram are facing severe disruptions due to repeated pipeline bursts, leading to irregular water supply and prolonged traffic congestion. The latest incident marks the third major pipeline rupture within just four months, following the stretch's upgrade into a Smart Road last year by the Kerala Road Fund Board at an approximate cost of Rs 13 crore.
Water Supply Chaos and Traffic Nightmares
Each pipeline burst has necessitated fresh excavation work and traffic diversions, exacerbating the frustration among local residents and daily commuters. People living in Chalai and adjacent areas report that water supply has become highly unpredictable, with minimal prior notice about supply cuts. Numerous families have been compelled to depend on stored water or private tanker services to fulfill their daily necessities.
"We are left in the dark about when the water supply will cease or resume, or when the road will be properly retarred. Water and roads are fundamental human needs. Without adequate provision, how can individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle?" expressed Mohanan A, a trader at Chalai market.
Commuters traveling towards the city center and East Fort lament that the single-lane diversion has resulted in hours of traffic gridlock during peak periods. The passage of buses and heavy vehicles through the narrow bypass has further intensified traffic snarls, creating a daily ordeal for many.
Authorities Criticized for Inaction
Local residents have voiced strong criticism against authorities for their failure to address this recurring issue effectively. "The water crisis is not a novel problem for inhabitants of Chalai or the Killipalam–Attakkulangara Bypass. Neither the local councillor nor the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has taken decisive steps to resolve the situation. Since the smart road project completion, pipeline bursts have become alarmingly frequent," stated Krishna Kumar, a resident of the area.
KWA Acknowledges Aging Infrastructure
Kerala Water Authority officials have conceded that multiple pipelines in the region are over seven decades old and urgently require replacement. "A permanent solution is only feasible after the antiquated pipelines are substituted. We have apprised the state government of this matter. Until a major project receives approval, we are limited to performing minor repairs," revealed a senior KWA official, who requested anonymity.
The persistent pipeline failures underscore a critical infrastructure challenge, highlighting the disconnect between smart road enhancements and underlying utility systems. As residents endure water shortages and traffic chaos, calls for comprehensive action grow louder, emphasizing the need for integrated urban planning and timely governmental intervention to restore normalcy and ensure reliable public services.
