Kochi: A freshwater pipeline burst during Kochi Metro Rail construction work, flooding major roads and snapping the water supply at Palarivattom on Sunday night, triggering huge protests by residents. The protesters led by Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas and Stadium Division councillor Deepti Mary Varghese took to the flooded streets, slamming the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). 

The incident occurred around 8 pm on Banerji Road between Stadium and Palarivattom, along a stretch where Metro Phase II construction, including piling work, is currently underway. The burst led to severe waterlogging on the Kaloor–Edappally Road and North Janatha Road, worsening traffic congestion in an area already choked due to barricades placed on both sides of the road for Metro works.

The latest disruption comes close on the heels of another pipe burst reported near Kaloor a few days ago, which had affected water supply to Kaloor, Edappally, Palarivattom, Thammanam, Anjumana, Padivattom and Cheranalloor. Residents said water supply, restored earlier in the day after a gap of four days, came to a halt again following the fresh incident.

Locals alleged that underground pipelines are being damaged during piling work carried out as part of the Metro project. They claimed that migrant labourers engaged in the construction were unaware of the alignment of water pipelines beneath the road. Residents and protesters also accused the authorities of inaction, stating that water continued to gush out for nearly two hours before any effective response. They alleged that the police arrived at the spot only after 10 pm, while no water tankers had been arranged to supply drinking water to affected households.

Addressing the protesters, Uma Thomas blamed a lack of coordination between the KMRL and KWA for the repeated pipe bursts. She later spoke to Ernakulam District Collector G Priyanka over a video call from the flooded road. Thomas told the media that the Collector assured that she would reach the site immediately to assess the situation.

KMRL sources said the agency had earlier requested KWA to provide detailed maps of the underground pipe network to prevent damage during construction. However, it is learnt that the details are yet to be fully shared. With Metro Phase II works progressing, officials acknowledged that piling activities could damage pipelines if workers are not informed about their exact locations.

Meanwhile, a KMRL spokesperson told Onmanorama that steps were being taken to ensure an alternative water supply. “The new burst took place once the pumping resumed after fixing the leak that happened yesterday. KWA will identify the areas affected by the pipe burst, and we will arrange water tankers to restore the water supply,” the spokesperson said.

Protests continued at the site late into the night, with residents demanding immediate repair of the damaged pipeline, prompt tanker deliveries, and better coordination among agencies to prevent recurring disruptions during Metro construction.