Both sides of the Kochi metro corridor that passes through the city have now become a nightmare for motorists. The Kaloor-Kathrikadavu road is also in a poor condition.
The situation has not improved despite the concerns over the oncoming monsoon and the beginning of the new academic year.
Motorists and operators of private buses and autorickshaws have been warning of worsening traffic snarls and chaos on these key corridors. The repair and resurfacing works have to be speeded up.
Sources in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that priority had been accorded to resurfacing roads on either side of the Aluva-Edappally metro corridor, where civil works were over. The Edappally-Deshabhimani Junction stretch will be resurfaced next by L&T since there are many undulations and potholes on the stretch which cause traffic snarls and accidents. “At least 50 per cent of the work could have been completed by now but for the rain. Currently, efforts are being made to complete resurfacing at least up to Palarivattom to smoothen traffic flow,” they said.
Pending civil works
DMRC sources attributed the delay in resurfacing Palarivattom-Kaloor corridor to pending civil works such as construction of slabs and parapets over I-girders.
Potholes in the rest of the metro corridor in the city hub up to Maharaja’s College Ground are expected to be filled by Soma Constructions. Resurfacing would be done only after the monsoon season, they added.
Sources in Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) said the two civil contractors of the metro were duty-bound to resurface the entire metro corridor since funds had been allocated to them. “We will write to DMRC asking it to speed up the resurfacing works,” they said.
The model code of conduct, which was in effect during the Assembly elections, delayed the resurfacing of the 1.50-km long Kaloor-Kathrikadavu Road which was dug up early this year by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for pipeline works.
Former chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which owns the road, N. Venugopal, had earlier told The Hindu that the pipeline works ended in February.
“We wrote to the Election Commission seeking special permission to resurface the road, but it was turned down. With the poll process getting over, the work order has been issued and the project to resurface the corridor using bituminous macadam bituminous concrete (BMBC) will commence before rain intensifies,” he said.
“The junctions on the corridor will be covered using concrete blocks, to prevent damage and subsequent flooding. I have asked the contractor to complete all works in another 10 days,” Mr. Venugopal said.
Pedestrians are bearing the brunt of repair works being undertaken at the eleventh hour since both footpaths and roads are in a bad condition.
