Kottayam: Authorities have restricted vehicle entry on the road leading from the main thoroughfare to the Kottayam railway station entrance to carry out concreting works. As a result, passengers arriving at the last minute risk missing their trains.

The repair work, which began on Monday to fill potholes along the approach road, has led to heavy traffic congestion in the station area. "We aim to complete the work by Saturday," a railway official said.

The maintenance activity has been undertaken in preparation for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season, which begins on November 17.

At present, the road leading to the station entrance is completely closed to vehicles, forcing them to enter through the exit gate. As a large number of vehicles arrives at the station daily, this diversion is causing severe traffic congestion in the area.

"Concreting of the path from the main road to the entrance will be over on Thursday, after which vehicles will be allowed on this stretch. Subsequently, work on the path from the entrance to the exit gate will be taken up," said the railway official.

"Potholes in the area between the portico and the beginning of the ramp will also be filled with concrete by Thursday," the official added.