Kochi Corporation gives KMRL 10 days to fix clogged drains, potholed roads, and traffic snarls

The Kochi Corporation has issued Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) a 10-day deadline to resolve traffic logjam and waterlogging caused by potholed roads and blocked drains along the stretch in front of St. Martin’s Church at Palarivattom, where works on the second phase of the Kochi metro from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark are under way.

The ultimatum followed an inspection of the affected stretch by a delegation led by Mayor V.K. Minimol, accompanied by officials of the city traffic police and KMRL, after mounting public outcry over the nightmarish conditions worsened by the onset of the monsoon. The inspection coincided with the expiry of the week’s time earlier sought by KMRL at two previous meetings with the Mayor.

“Restoration works have begun on the stretch, but they lack urgency. The drains here are completely clogged with slurry, resulting in water overflowing onto the road and causing waterlogging during rains. Directions have been issued to clean the drains and install a temporary pipe to channel water into them, which should be fully restored once the works are completed. The present mechanism of pumping out stormwater using multiple pumps is proving grossly inadequate since water from Palarivattom Junction collects at this point. An underground culvert in the area has also been found demolished,” said Ms. Minimol.

A decision has been taken to tile the stretch between Chakkungal Road and the international stadium, covering the worst-affected point in front of St. Martin’s Church. Instructions have been issued to deploy workers round the clock to complete the work within the stipulated period.

The police have been directed to fully open the U-turn on the affected stretch. Two-wheelers are to be allowed passage through the U-turn throughout the day, while other vehicles may be permitted after peak hours. At present, the U-turn remains closed, forcing motorists to proceed ahead and take the turn near the Kaloor stadium, creating snarls at both points.

“The police have also been asked to explore the possibility of allowing larger vehicles, such as buses from the Aluva side, to proceed directly instead of being diverted through the Palarivattom roundabout. A temporary bus stop may also be permitted on the stretch. Vehicles from Aluva, Kakkanad, and Thammanam converging at the Palarivattom roundabout have been causing traffic mayhem,” Ms. Minimol added.

KMRL has been instructed to submit daily reports on the progress of the work over the next 10 days. An overseer and a KMRL official will jointly inspect the work each day.