Kochi: There seems to be no end to the daily woes of commuters using the Edappally–Moothakunnam stretch of the National Highway. Public anger is mounting over what many describe as superficial and ineffective road repair efforts, mostly involving mud and crushed stones dumped into potholes, which local residents say is nothing more than an attempt to deceive them.

Despite repeated incidents of vehicles skidding on the slippery surface and commuters suffering injuries, authorities have yet to introduce alternative travel arrangements or carry out meaningful repair work. The situation has now escalated into a full-blown safety crisis.

Officials cite the ongoing construction of the new National Highway as a reason for not undertaking proper repairs. However, the public is demanding that at least the most severely damaged and impassable stretches be levelled and temporarily restored. Key locations along the route—such as Edappally Overbridge, Kunnumpuram, Thattampady, Cheranalloor Signal Junction, Varappuzha Bridge, Shappumpady, Kochal, Koonammavu, Mesthirippady, Athani, and the Paravur–Moothakunnam road are riddled with deep potholes, making daily travel a nightmare.

Whenever complaints are raised, National Highway authorities respond by filling potholes with a loose mix of mud and crushed stones. But these measures are short-lived, as the rains quickly wash away the filler, returning the road to a hazardous state.

KG Rajesh, president of the Cheranalloor Panchayat, criticised the practice, saying the scattered crushed stones are themselves causing accidents. Vehicle damage from hitting potholes has become routine, and elderly passengers and patients are now forced to travel in fear.

The situation is particularly dire during peak hours, with long traffic snarls stretching for several kilometres becoming the norm. Although the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reportedly allocated funds for repairs, there are allegations of official apathy and underutilisation of the resources. The public has now issued a strong demand for urgent and effective action to fill potholes and restore safe, smooth travel along this critical route.