Traffic Chaos Persists at Kochi Metro and NHAI Construction Sites Despite Police Intervention
Traffic congestion has worsened around Kochi metro's Kakkanad extension worksites at Palarivattom and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) flyover projects near Edappally Junction, affecting commuters on major arterial roads. Police, commuters, and local representatives attribute the situation to unscientific site management, potholes, and inadequate coordination.
Despite a meeting convened by District Police Chief S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar to address the issue, conditions remain unchanged. Police have expressed helplessness in managing traffic flow due to bottlenecks on alternative roads caused by potholes and poorly restored trenches dug by the Kerala Water Authority and other agencies, along with haphazard parking.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic, East) Sherif S. noted that neither the NHAI nor Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) consults police before carrying out works. He said, “In most cases, unscientific barricading leaves little space for motorists. Contractors decide where to erect barricades and dig trenches without considering inconvenience to road users. They do not even fill potholes, leading to accidents and further disruptions.”
The traffic official highlighted that severe waterlogging and potholes near the metro’s Jawaharlal Nehru station could have been avoided if the agencies followed the ‘Guidelines on Traffic Management in Work Zones’ under Section 55 of the Indian Roads Congress norms. He urged round-the-clock work to expedite the delayed projects and immediate removal of barricades. The NHAI must also fill potholes on the Edappally-Palarivattom NH Bypass, for which it collects toll, and appoint a liaison officer to coordinate with police and civic agencies.
The delay by the Kochi Corporation in restoring trenched roads—such as the Thammanam-Pullepady Road and its links—that could serve as diversions has worsened the situation. A senior Corporation official said efforts are under way and a running contract has been awarded for pothole repairs. “Agencies like KWA, KMRL, and NHAI must ensure timely restoration of dug-up roads and prevent debris from clogging drains,” the official added.
District Collector G. Priyanka said instructions have been issued to the Corporation, Public Works department, and NHAI to maintain roads under their jurisdiction and heed communications from police and the Motor Vehicles department regarding road infrastructure.
