Kochi: Severe traffic congestion continues to disrupt daily commutes as the bridge parallel to the Goshree second bridge has remained closed for maintenance for over one and a half months. Meanwhile, the surface of the existing Goshree bridges has deteriorated, riddled with potholes, which further exacerbates the problem.

Traffic snarls stretch for hours along the roads from Bolgatty and Vallarpadam. During peak hours, the jam extends from High Court Junction to Vypin Goshree Junction, hampering ambulance movement and causing hardship to students and daily commuters heading into Kochi city.

With traffic from both bridges now diverted to a single route, heavy container trucks from the Vallarpadam International Container Terminal also move through this stretch, further worsening the bottleneck. What is usually a short drive from High Court Junction to Kalamukku now takes over an hour. Officials estimate that repairs on the closed bridge may take another month to complete.

Although the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) has attempted to patch potholes, full resurfacing is urgently needed to restore smooth flow. However, despite mounting public protests, no concrete progress has been made. Key demands raised by residents include completing the maintenance work and reopening the closed bridge immediately, regulating container truck movement during peak hours, constructing parallel bridges to the first and third Goshree bridges, and resurfacing all Goshree bridges without further delay.

The Federation of Residents Association Apex Council in Goshree Islands (FLAG) staged a symbolic protest on the Goshree Second Bridge. Vypin Action Council chairman Majnu Komath inaugurated the protest, where women walked backwards and protestors played football on the bridge to highlight the delay in repair work.

Protestors also temporarily blocked container trucks from the Vallarpadam terminal. Following the demonstration, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sibi Tom met with the protestors and assured them that a meeting would be convened within two days to find a resolution. Following this, the protest was called off.

The protest saw participation from members of SNDP, Kudumbi Seva Sanghom, Dheevara Sabha, Vypeen Two-Wheelers Association, and the Rotary Club. Speakers included V P Sabu, Anil Plavians, P K Bhasi, Sevi Thavanippilly, P K Manoj, K P Gopalakrishnan, A S Shyamkumar, K K Thampy, Jibu Jacob, Sebi Nayarambalam, P K Lenin, Benny Joseph, and K G Jonfy.