Dug-up roads, accidents and dust plague commuters on Thodupuzha–Erattupetta highway this Sabarimala Mandalam season
The poor road condition has also forced several long-distance vehicles, including those carrying Ayyappa pilgrims, to avoid the route.
The poor road condition has also forced several long-distance vehicles, including those carrying Ayyappa pilgrims, to avoid the route.
The poor road condition has also forced several long-distance vehicles, including those carrying Ayyappa pilgrims, to avoid the route.
Thodupuzha: Even as the Mandalam season has crossed its halfway point, commuters continue to face severe difficulties on the Thodupuzha–Erattupetta State Highway, a key route used by lakhs of Ayyappa devotees. The stretch carries thousands of vehicles daily, with traffic volumes surging during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The road began deteriorating nearly two years ago after it was dug up for laying pipelines under the Meenachil drinking water project. With restoration work left incomplete, the highway has fallen into a dilapidated state, making even pedestrian movement difficult. Vehicles frequently suffer damage after hitting deep potholes.
Large craters and eroded shoulders have turned the stretch into an accident-prone zone. In recent days alone, four motorists sustained serious injuries in road accidents and are currently undergoing treatment.
Dust nuisance adds to hardship
The worst-affected stretch falls within the Muttom panchayat limits, where residents are grappling with severe dust pollution. Locals say respiratory ailments have increased, even as repeated protests and demands for urgent repairs have failed to yield results. Assurances given by officials of the Water Authority and the contractor, residents allege, remain unfulfilled.
The poor road condition has also forced several long-distance vehicles, including those carrying Ayyappa pilgrims, to avoid the route. This has dealt a blow to the local economy, particularly small traders dependent on pilgrim traffic.
Residents block road
Frustrated by the delay, residents under the banner of the Thottunkara Development Committee staged a road blockade at Thottunkara on the Thodupuzha–Erattupetta State Highway, demanding immediate tarring of the stretch. The protest followed the failure of authorities to honour an assurance given in October to complete the work.
Traffic was disrupted after the blockade, prompting Muttom police to intervene. Following discussions with officials of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which is implementing the drinking water project, protesters were assured that tarring would be completed by Saturday. The blockade was subsequently withdrawn temporarily.
The Thottunkara Development Committee has warned that it will launch another blockade from 9 am on Saturday if the road is not tarred as promised.