Bitumen price surge hits road works, adding to motorists’ woes in Kochi

The soaring price of bitumen has taken a toll on road works, leaving motorists with a nightmarish commute even as local bodies scramble to address the cost escalation of ongoing projects.

The price of bitumen, a crude oil residue, has been on an upward spiral since March owing to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. With tensions showing no sign of easing, the bitumen price is unlikely to stabilise soon. Over six months, the price has risen from ₹10,093 per 156‑kg barrel on March 5 to ₹14,915 on September 16 – an increase of ₹4,822. During the same period, the per‑tonne price climbed from ₹61,126 to ₹85,955, marking a rise of ₹24,829.

“Roads along stretches like Durbar Hall Ground, Vytilla Junction, and Valanjambalam are in bad shape, holding up traffic and causing frequent logjams. The bulging along metro pillars is another threat, especially for two‑wheeler riders who often meet with accidents,” said P.C. Ajithkumar, general secretary of the Ernakulam District Residents’ Associations’ Apex Council.

The damaged Thammanam-Pullepady Road.
| Photo Credit:
H. VIBHU

Seized of the crisis, the Kochi Corporation is exploring the possibility of allowing additional estimates to bridge the gap between the original agreement and the current price variation. “An arrangement will be made in consultation with the Mayor to permit additional estimates for the completion of road works. BMBC road works [Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete standards] are under way in every Corporation zone,” said T.K. Asharaf, chairperson of the works standing committee.

“The shoddy nature of road restoration works carried out by agencies like the Kerala Water Authority and energy and cable companies has left many roads resembling cesspools, adding to motorists’ woes. Agencies managing roads, including the Kochi Corporation, should fine those responsible for poor‑quality restoration,” said Jayadeep Narasimhan, a senior private company executive.

Potholes along Alinchuvadu-Vennala Road.
| Photo Credit:
H. VIBHU

Sree Shankar, a bank employee, pointed out that the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road remains in a perpetual state of repair, while the ongoing metro works have left the Kakkanad stretch virtually unmotorable.

The Public Works department had earlier issued an order permitting excess costs on account of the bitumen price hike. “However, that order applied only to PWD works and does not cover projects of local bodies. We are awaiting a similar directive from the Finance department to cover the entire gamut of ongoing works, since we cannot afford them at the originally agreed rates. Works worth around ₹1 lakh crore are currently under way across the State,” said Sunny Chennikkara, general secretary of the All Kerala Government Contractors Association.

Price variation is anticipated and factored in for projects with schedules exceeding 18 months, though most works, particularly those of local bodies, are expected to be completed within shorter time frames. BPCL and HPCL remain the major suppliers of bitumen in the State.