Traffic snarls worsen around Kochi metro extension, NHAI flyover worksites

Unscientific site management, potholes and the ensuing traffic snarls around the Kochi metro’s Kakkanad extension worksites at Palarivattom and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)’s flyover worksites on either side of Edappally Junction are making life miserable for commuters on the busy arterial roads, according to traffic police, commuters, and people’s representatives.

This has, in turn, affected intra-city, inter-district, and inter-State commuters, often triggering traffic gridlocks on other city roads. The situation remains unchanged despite a meeting convened by District Police Chief (Kochi City) S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, police sources said.

Furthermore, the police also expressed helplessness in streamlining traffic flow, citing bottlenecks on several alternative roads caused by potholes, poorly restored trenches dug by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and other agencies, and haphazard parking.

Expressing concern over the worsening traffic snarls at Palarivattom, Edappally Junction, Cheranalloor on NH 66 and Seaport-Airport Road over the past fortnight, Sherif S., Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kochi traffic police (East), attributed them mainly to unscientific barricading that leaves little space for motorists.

“In most cases, neither the NHAI nor Kochi Metro Rail Limited [KMRL] consults the police while carrying out such works. The situation is compounded by inadequate supervision, with workers of contracting firms deciding where to erect barricades and dig trenches without considering the inconvenience caused to road users. The contractors at these sites do not even fill potholes. All these factors contribute to accidents, further disrupting traffic,” he said.

On the severe waterlogging and potholes near the metro’s Jawaharlal Nehru station, where the Kakkanad extension works are under way, Mr. Sherif said such problems could have been avoided had KMRL and the NHAI adhered to the ‘Guidelines on Traffic Management in Work Zones’ under Section 55 of the 2014 Indian Roads Congress (IRC) norms. “The minimum the two agencies can do is execute the works around the clock to expedite these already-delayed projects and remove the barricades at the earliest. The NHAI must also urgently fill potholes on the Edappally-Palarivattom NH Bypass, for which it collects toll. In addition, it should appoint a liaison officer to coordinate with the police and civic agencies,” he added.

The alleged delay by the Kochi Corporation in restoring trenched roads that could have been used as diversion routes has further worsened the situation. These include the Thammanam-Pullepady Road and its link roads leading to the NH Bypass. A senior Corporation official said efforts were under way to restore the roads, while a running contract had been awarded to repair pothole-ridden roads. “Agencies such as the KWA, KMRL, and the NHAI, which dig up roads, must ensure their timely restoration. They must also prevent debris and mud from their worksites from entering and choking drains,” he added.

On the need for inter-departmental coordination, District Collector G. Priyanka said instructions had been issued to the Corporation, Public Works department, and the NHAI to ensure that roads under their jurisdiction were properly maintained. “They must also heed communications from the police and the Motor Vehicles department regarding roads and related infrastructure,” she added.