Potholes and poor visibility make Erumely stretch a death trap for commuters

Erumely: The Plachery–Erumely road has turned into a nightmare for commuters, riddled with deep potholes at key points such as Mukkada Junction, Mattannoorkkara, and Karingallumoozhy. With just a month left for the Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala, the absence of timely repair work has sparked serious safety concerns, especially as accidents involving two-wheelers are steadily increasing.

Frequent mishaps are reported near the sharp curve at Mukkada Junction, where many two-wheelers lose control after hitting potholes they fail to notice in time. Riders often speed through this stretch, only to skid and fall when their vehicles plunge into the uneven surface.

A large tree close to the road further obstructs visibility at this point, worsening the danger. Several vehicles, including heavy-load carriers passing through in the early hours, have crashed into roadside shops here. While potholes between Kanakappalam and Mattannoorkkara have been temporarily filled, new ones continue to appear in the same areas.

Mattannoorkkara has also witnessed several accidents as vehicles fall into freshly formed potholes. The situation is even worse at Karingallumoozhy Junction, where the Sabarimala Road begins. The heavy movement of granite-laden trucks is said to be the main cause of the damage here.

In one recent incident, a woman suffered injuries after falling from a moving autorickshaw that lost control when it hit a pothole. Although repair work has been carried out multiple times—at least six in the past three months—new craters keep forming, making the stretch perilous for daily commuters.