Kochi: A day after a high-level meeting of police personnel to find solutions to the traffic chaos following Metro work, traffic moved at a snail’s pace at most places through the pothole-filled city roads on Saturday. Areas like Vytilla, Kadavantra, Kathrikadavu Bridge, South RoB, High Court Jn, Kaloor-Palarivattom among others experienced severe traffic congestion.
“The main reason for the traffic congestion are the potholes and dust due to rainsplaying truant. For instance, the Kathrikadavu Bridge which is riddled with potholes at one end. What used to be a smooth ride until two weeks ago, now takes 10 to 15 minutes to cover the stretch,” said Advocate Girish Pottayil.
One of the recommendations of the meet was to divert small and medium vehicles through the bye-lanes.
“But traffic diversion without first fixing the potholes will only increase the problem. The solution is to fill the potholes, at least temporarily, and shift electric posts and similar utilities to facilitate traffic flow through the bye-lanes,” he said.
Meanwhile, police officials said 100 additional personnel will be deployed from Monday and that they have asked the PWD, Corporation and the NHAI to fill the potholes temporarily.
“Already such works have been taken up at Vytilla and Kundanoor, however, with the rains it’s not easy to fill up all potholes. The Chief Minister has already assured that the roads will be repaired after the rains,” a senior police officer said.
