Kochi Commuters Struggle with Damaged Roads as Metro Work Causes Traffic Chaos

Commuters in Kochi are facing serious problems along the NH Bypass-Puthiya Road-Vennala-Palachuvadu-Seaport Airport Road corridor, as both Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the road-owning agencies have failed to repair or resurface the damaged, waterlogged roads. Many people are using this route to avoid the Civil

Line Road, which is heavily barricaded for the ongoing Kakkanad Metro extension.

Puthiya Road's Poor Condition

The Puthiya Road, owned by the Kochi Corporation, is in poor condition with broken and missing slabs, while the Public Works Department (PWD) maintains the rest of the stretch, which is full of potholes and uneven surfaces. The Alinchuvadu-Thykavu Junction Road, dug up several times for gas pipelines and manholes, also remains unrestored. These conditions make travel unsafe for both drivers and pedestrians.

Metro Work Diversions Increasing Traffic

Officials state that KMRL should urgently repair damaged roads maintained by both the Corporation and the PWD, especially since traffic on these routes has increased due to metro work diversions. In the State Legislative Assembly, Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas criticized the KMRL and the State government for not keeping their 2023 promise to redevelop diversion roads. She said the poor road conditions are causing more traffic jams and accidents, affecting commuters, residents, and local businesses.

Other Issues Near Metro Sites

Moreover, frequent water pipeline bursts near metro work sites have disrupted the water supply and worsened road damage. KMRL's temporary fixes, such as dumping concrete in trenches, have made roads even bumpier. Uma Thomas urged the government to speed up resurfacing and repair work without further delay. PWD officials also stated that several roads, including parts of Civil Line Road and Seaport Airport Road, were handed over to KMRL, which is responsible for maintaining them safely. However, the lack of proper maintenance has turned these key roads into daily trouble spots for Kochi commuters.