Traffic rerouted for Kerala Water Authority work

According to officials, one of the oldest sewer lines in the city at Manacaud, laid in 1945, has been causing problems because of frequent clogging. After not less than four failed attempts to de-clog the lane near the Manacaud mosque junction, finally a pit of around four metres depth was dug to replace pipelines.

“There has been slow movement of sewage affecting hundreds of households in the area. This necessitated us to close down the road for a minimum of ten days for the major work starting Christmas. Inconvenience is regretted,” said a senior official attached to sewerage division of KWA.

The stretch caters to traffic that goes from the heart of the city to areas beyond Thiruvallam and Kovalam.

“Closure and work has been scheduled during Christmas and New year's eve anticipating lower traffic density. However if work extends, it can cause problems and we have roped in the most well equipped contractor possible,” official added.

Even during non-peak hours, the work has caused bottleneck on the lane from the toll junction to Kalippankulam road. KSRTC buses towards East Fort have been re-routed through NH bypass.

“The motorists from Kovalam side are also advised to use NH bypass. Vehicle from the bypass can enter Manacaud through the MLA road or take a right turn at Kallumoodu junction,” traffic police officials said.