Kochi: The onset of the monsoon has exposed the poor state of roads in Kochi, leading to severe traffic congestion across the city. Key junctions such as Kakkanad, Palarivattom, and Edappally, where construction is underway, are particularly affected. Even recently repaired stretches like the Kundanoor-Thevara bridge and Thammanam-Pullepady road are experiencing issues.
Acute Congestion on NH 66 Bypass
On Friday, acute traffic congestion was witnessed on the NH 66 bypass stretch south of Edappally junction, where a flyover-cum-underpass is being constructed. Similarly, a serpentine queue of vehicles formed at Palarivattom junction, where work on the Kochi Metro second phase is progressing.
Lack of Planning Blamed
P Rangadasa Prabhu, president of the Ernakulam District Residents’ Associations Apex Council (EDRAAC), criticized the lack of planning. "The authorities should have completed activities before the monsoon. Waterlogging due to clogged drainages is another issue. Despite past experiences, the corporation failed to carry out proper pre-monsoon cleaning of drainages and canals," he said.
Ramesh Mathew, a frequent traveler, described the NH bypass stretch from Oberon Mall to LuLu Mall as a nightmare due to the delayed construction of the flyover-cum-underpass, originally slated for completion in May. "Many two-wheelers and small vehicles use the service road from Edappally signal and Marotichuvadu junction. However, after rains, the road is covered with thick mud slush where it meets the NH bypass, posing a slip risk for two-wheeler riders," he added.
Thammanam-Pullepady Road Woes
Repair works on the Thammanam-Pullepady road were carried out last year, but craters have developed, especially in the Pullepady-Kathrikadavu section. "This section has become an accident spot. Waterlogging issues are also experienced towards Thammanam side due to lack of proper drainage," said Mohan Raj, a resident.
Unscientific Planning in Vyttila-Kaniyampuzha Road
Unscientific planning and failure to provide utilities while relaying road stretches have left areas like the Vyttila-Kaniyampuzha road prone to waterlogging. V P Chandran, Vyttila councillor, noted that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is constructing a drainage at Vyttila (from Kundanoor side of the service road near the flyover) now when the monsoon has arrived, leading to acute traffic congestion. A pothole has also formed at the junction where vehicles turn to the city side.
Similarly, the narrow Kaniyampuzha Road, which connects Vyttila with Eroor, was re-laid recently. The Public Works Department (PWD) raised the ground level height before laying interlock tiles but made no provision for drainage, resulting in heavy waterlogging. "With no drain outlet, storm water enters my shop and flows into house compounds on the roadside," lamented Muraleedharan K, a provision store owner.
