Kochi: With the corporation setting Sunday as the deadline, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has expedited measures to ease the traffic bottleneck near St Martin's Church at Palarivattom, caused by ongoing construction for the Metro extension to Kakkanad. However, there was no relief for traffic snarls in the area on Friday.
Persistent Traffic and Waterlogging Issues
The traffic congestion and waterlogging from blocked drains and potholed roads continue to cause difficulties for the public, motorists, and shop owners in the area. Interior roads and by-lanes face major disruption during peak commuting hours. The drains along the stretch in front of St Martin's Church are completely clogged with sludge, causing water to overflow onto the road. Pumping out water using multiple pumps has proven inadequate.
Mayor's Intervention and KMRL's Actions
On Wednesday, Mayor Minimol visited the area and held meetings with KMRL officials, police, and other agencies to find a solution. “KMRL has brought in more workers to speed up road restoration. More traffic wardens have been deployed to regulate traffic. The U-turn in the area, which was closed after Metro work began, has been partially reopened,” Minimol said. She issued directions to clean the drains and lay pipes to channel water from the road into the drain. A permanent box culvert will be constructed once the work is completed. She also directed officials to lay tiles on the stretch between Chakkungal Road and JNL International Stadium.
Public and Business Grievances
When TOI asked motorists if there was any relief from congestion, they replied in the negative. Several businesses along the stretch have had to close temporarily due to a decline in business. Antony M V, a security guard at the church, said, “The church, shops, and other businesses face a lot of difficulties due to the construction and waterlogging. Traffic is worst affected during rains. The runoff water carries sludge and effluents, emitting a foul odor. People are also facing difficulties visiting the church.” Surjith T S and Ben Sanoj, who own a shop next to the church, voiced their grievances. “The construction has been going on for over a year, and the resulting waterlogging and traffic congestion have dissuaded customers. Our shop is flooded whenever it rains,” they said.
