Kanjirappally: Residents of Mannarakkayam Villanchirakkunnu are rejoicing as decades of travel hardships have finally come to an end. The narrow, rain-soaked footpath that turned treacherous during every monsoon has now been replaced by a six-foot-wide concrete road, opening smooth access for light vehicles including autorickshaws and pick-up vans.

For over 25 years, 12 families living atop Mannarakkayam Villanchirakkunnu had to endure a steep half-kilometre trek along a three-foot-wide trail. The path was strewn with rocks and flanked by trees, making it difficult even to walk through. Slips and falls were frequent, leaving both children and adults injured.

Though Antony Martin, the local ward member, had set aside ₹3 lakh for constructing the road in Ward 7 of Chirakkadavu Panchayat, the project encountered several hurdles before completion. When it finally materialized, the residents celebrated with joy, marking the inauguration with firecrackers, music, and a community feast.

Government Chief Whip N Jayaraj inaugurated the road. Presiding over the function,  Panchayat President C R Sreekumar promised to allocate funds for protective fencing on both sides of the road to safeguard against the deep gorges flanking it.

Ward Member Antony Martin, Vice President Sathy Surendran, Block Panchayat Members B Raveendran Nair and Mini Sethunath, and Panchayat Members Sumesh Andrews, K G Rajesh, Shakky Sajeev, Ambily Sivadas, Leena Krishnakumar, V N Karunakaran, B Balachandran, Suresh Kumar, G Ajith Kumar, and Madhu Thavukkunnel spoke.