Public outcry grows as pothole-ridden roads plague Alappuzha, Kollam

Alappuzha/ Kollam: Potholes caused by the indifference of authorities are not restricted to the national highway alone, but are present on other roads as well. The sorry state of many roads in Alappuzha and Kollam continues as authorities turn a blind eye, even after recurring accidents. Roads that do not experience as much traffic as the national highway have also become dangerous due to potholes.

Alappuzha
Kumbalanghi and Thaikkattussery roads, through which traffic is being diverted from the Thuravoor–Aroor area owing to the ongoing elevated highway works, are also riddled with potholes. Motorists unfamiliar with the roads and the potholes on them often fall victim. The Thanneermukkam Bund bridge, which is part of the Alappuzha–Madurai National Highway, is also replete with potholes.

1. Thuravoor–Kumbalanghi Road - The restoration work has not yet started owing to pending contract formalities, despite funds being allotted six months ago. Waterlogging awaits those taking a turn to the west from the Kumbalanghi Road, which is already riddled with potholes. Motorists meet with accidents, unaware of potholes hidden beneath the water. TD Junction is also waterlogged. Big potholes await motorists along Vallathodu, Karumanchery, Parayikkavala, Sreenarayanapuram and on both sides of the Kumbalanghi bridge.

2. Thaikkattussery Road - Many potholes have formed near the Thaikkattussery PS Junction. Traffic is being diverted through this road due to the ongoing Aroor–Thuravoor elevated highway works. Since the road is devoid of drains, runoff water remains collected in the low-lying parts. The Cherthala–Arookutty Road also suffers from potholes and waterlogging owing to the absence of drains. Potholes mark the point where Pallippuram Ottappunna Junction meets the Kelamangalam Road.

3. Thanneermukkam Bund - Potholes have again formed on the road over the Thanneermukkam Bund, which connects the Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. The potholes, which were filled recently, have further expanded after the metal and tar got washed away. The more-than-a-kilometre-long stretch has over 100 potholes. Mostly, two-wheeler riders end up in accidents.

There have been recent incidents in which pillion riders were thrown off and sustained injuries. Thousands of vehicles, including ambulances heading to Kottayam Medical College and KSRTC buses to Kottayam, Vaikom, Thodupuzha and Erattupetta, pass through the Thanneermukkam Bund. The demand for a probe into how potholes keep reappearing despite being filled regularly has intensified.

Kollam
Potholes caused by rain along the persistently problematic Kollam–Thirumangalam National Highway stretch continue to pose hardships to motorists. Thousands of motorists and vehicles will suffer if even the small potholes along this interstate cargo route are not repaired on time.

The road has been damaged in stretches where interlocking tiles were laid years ago to prevent waterlogging and potholes. The situation is no different near the sharp turn at Valakkodu, the underpass at Kalayanadu, near the Valakkodu petrol pump, and Valakkodu Junction.

It is certain that two-wheeler riders hitting these potholes will end up in accidents. Heavy cargo vehicles crisscross this narrow stretch of road. Local residents remain apprehensive that a major tragedy may occur if two-wheeler riders get involved in accidents here.

No action has been taken yet to repair a pothole that formed months ago in the middle of the road, just a few metres from the railway underpass at Kalayanadu. The pothole beside the Valakkodu overbridge is also big enough to disrupt traffic. Since the pothole remains inundated, motorists are unaware of its presence and hit it frequently. Big potholes have formed near the sharp turn at Kalayanadu.

The incline from Plachery is particularly steep. Vehicles emerging at high speed regularly meet with accidents after hitting these potholes. The hole formed along the road near the Mele Plachery Junction remains submerged. Many two-wheelers have met with accidents here.

During the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, several devotees were injured in accidents at these spots, after which many black spots were identified and the National Highway Authority of India installed safety mechanisms. However, since then, even temporary measures have not been taken to repair the potholes that continue to pose a serious threat to traffic.