Two elected representatives from Wayanad have taken their fight for better road connectivity to the streets, staging a dramatic day-and-night protest outside the Kozhikode district collectorate. The protest, which began on Tuesday afternoon, was led by Kalpetta MLA T Siddique and Sultan Bathery MLA IC Balakrishnan, who are demanding immediate and permanent solutions to the relentless traffic chaos on the crucial Thamarassery ghat road that links Kozhikode and Wayanad.
Chronic Gridlock Sparks Public Outcry
The MLAs expressed deep frustration over what they describe as a complete administrative failure in managing the frequent and severe traffic snarls on the mountain pass. T Siddique revealed a shocking personal experience, stating that he left Kalpetta at 11:30 PM one night and only reached Kozhikode at 4:30 AM the next morning, a journey that should take a fraction of that time. He lamented the absence of police personnel to regulate traffic during such heavy congestion.
The situation, according to the protesting leaders, has moved beyond mere inconvenience to a serious public safety and health crisis. Siddique highlighted that the traffic jams, which now stretch for several hours as a routine matter, are critically affecting the transport of patients in need of emergency medical care from Wayanad to the major hospitals in Kozhikode. The holiday rush only exacerbates the problem, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.
Demands for Action and Alternative Routes
Pointing fingers at the district administrations of both Kozhikode and Wayanad, Siddique accused them of poor coordination and inaction. He alleged that they have failed to implement even temporary measures to clear stalled vehicles or manage the flow of traffic. The economic impact is also severe, with the tourism sector in the picturesque district taking a direct hit due to the inaccessible roads.
To ensure smooth and safe travel on the treacherous ghat stretch, the MLAs proposed the formation of a special authority comprising officials, people's representatives, and volunteers. Their primary demand, however, is for the government to fast-track long-pending alternative road projects.
They specifically urged for the expedited development of the proposed Padinjarathara–Poozhithode project, describing it as a viable alternative requiring only a short tunnel and avoiding the dangerous hairpin bends of the current route. Siddique also suggested rerouting the Malapparamba–Muthanga stretch of NH 766 through the Chippilithode–Maruthoavu–Thalippuzha corridor and speeding up the preparation of its detailed project report (DPR).
Administrative Failure and New Restrictions
The legislators questioned why existing restrictions on multi-axle and heavy vehicles are not enforced during peak hours and holidays, a simple measure that could alleviate some congestion. They criticized the state government for not treating the issue with the urgency it deserves, noting that not even a minister-level meeting has been convened to address the gravity of the situation.
The protest was formally inaugurated by noted writer and social activist M N Karassery, lending weight to the public cause. In a related development, the Public Works Department's National Highways division has announced traffic restrictions on the Thamarassery ghat road. Starting January 5, multi-axle and heavy vehicles will be barred from the road to facilitate maintenance works and the clearing of felled trees near the sixth, seventh, and eighth hairpin bends. These vehicles will be diverted via the Kuttiyadi or Nadugani ghat roads instead.
