A stretch of the metro corridor near the busy Chambakkara fish market in Kochi has emerged as a new accident hotspot, prompting residents to demand urgent safety interventions. This comes after a dangerous curve on Sahodaran Ayyappan Road near metro pillar number 825 in Elamkulam had previously raised concerns.
Accidents on the Rise
According to local councillor V P Chandran, the area near metro pillar number 953 on the Chambakkara-Petta stretch has become particularly hazardous. Pick-up vans are often parked illegally on the roadside along the bridge during early morning hours. Vehicles speed down the bridge, and the road surface, which is very smooth after recent retarring, becomes slippery due to wastewater spilled by fish-carrying vehicles.
A tragic incident occurred last Thursday when a youth named Hormis Mathew died after his two-wheeler collided with the median at 1:45 am. Another accident happened near the same metro pillar on Tuesday morning, involving a car. Police reported that a fish truck illegally parked there suddenly reversed, causing the driver coming down the bridge to lose control of the car.
Growing Concerns
Chandran highlighted that accidents are increasing, with three lives lost last year alone. Most accidents occur at night, indicating potential issues with visibility and road design. He had written to the Public Works Department (PWD) and Kochi Metro authorities in October last year, demanding safety measures such as proper lighting, reflectors on metro pillars, and clear signage. However, no action has been taken so far.
Residents suggest that authorities should implement measures similar to those adopted at Elamkulam over a year ago, which included installing warning signages and scraping asphalt to improve traction. Additionally, the unscientific U-turn before Chambakkara market needs to be redesigned.
Call for an Underpass
Local resident Joseph P K urged authorities to fulfill the long-standing promise of building an underpass connecting the far side of the road to the fish market. This would help reduce illegal parking of fish vehicles, which causes many accidents, and provide direct entry to the market.
Restaurant owner Rajesh pointed out that sudden multiple curves on the stretch are another contributing factor. He noted that there is enough road width to lessen the curves, and the PWD should intervene to make the stretch safe.
