Ranni road's pathetic state leaves it unapproachable, either on foot or in vehicle

Storupady: If you walk, you'll slip in the mud; if you travel by vehicle, your back will be broken. This is the dire state of the Mandamaruthi–Storupady stretch, which is part of the Mandamaruthi–Kakkudumon–Pemaruthi–Athikkayam road.

This road has not seen tarring or maintenance for over 15 years. The problem arose when the Mandamaruthi–Kakkudumon road was taken over by the PWD (Public Works Department), but the Mandamaruthi–Storupady section was not included in the official records. The reason is that the Pazhavangadi Panchayat Committee failed to pass and submit a resolution stating that the road was handed over.

Travel has become unbearable since overloaded lorries started using the road, which already has damaged tarring. Lorries laden with granite from a newly opened quarry in Storupady are continuously plying this route. Their constant movement has created numerous potholes on the road. Rainwater accumulates in these potholes, turning them into tiny mud pools.

The road is completely filled with mud, making it impossible to walk. Vehicles sway violently when traveling on it. If two Tipper trucks approach, there's no space for them to pass each other. In many places, the sides of the road have also started to erode.

A contract had been awarded for the renovation of this road, including it as part of a Sabarimala access route. The construction of culverts, retaining walls, and drains is almost complete. BM (Bituminous Macadam) tarring has also been carried out up to the Storupady–Pemaruthi stretch. However, the remaining section remains in a state of disrepair.