Low aqueduct blocking container trucks on Punalur–Muvattupuzha road

Ranni: Even though the Punalur–Muvattupuzha road has been widened, large container trucks are facing a block at Valiyakallungal in Uthimoodu as they are unable to pass beneath the aqueduct. Worsening the situation, there are no warning signs for vehicles reaching the spot from the Pathanamthitta side regarding the low aqueduct.

However, a board mentioning the standard height of 4.2 metres below the bridge carrying water is installed on the Ranni side. There have been persistent demands from residents of the area and motorists for either a flyover at the spot or rebuilding the road under the aqueduct to a lower level.

The road was developed under a KSTP (Kerala State Transport Project) initiative. However, the contractor failed to install warning signs before the completion of the work.

With the authorities already clearing the bills for the work from Plachery to Konni, the contractor is now unlikely to set up boards regarding the low aqueduct. Similarly, there are few chances for the road level to be reduced as the work has been carried out as per a master plan, and the aqueduct also cannot be rebuilt.

In such a situation, local people have urged the authorities to install boards at Mandiram and Mannarakkulanji Junctions, warning container trucks that they would not be able to pass along Valiyakallungal at Uthimoodu. “This is the only way to prevent damage to the aqueduct, which is a part of the Pamba Irrigation Project (PIP), as well as the container trucks,” said a resident of the area.

Incidentally, there was a demand for a flyover at the spot when development of the Konni–Plachery road began. However, the work was not taken up, citing non-allocation of the required funds in the estimate. Large container trucks began taking this route when the road-widening work was completed.

But, as they cannot proceed beyond Valiykallungal, the trucks return to Mandiram Junction, from where they take a detour along Kannampalam to rejoin the main road at Mannarakkulanji.

On August 8, five container trucks arrived at the aqueduct, of which one of them passed underneath, scraping against the structure and damaging its concrete.