Kochi: The delay in repairing city roads will result in utter traffic chaos during the Onam shopping season a few days away.
Many city roads are in poor condition with potholes and no footpaths. The proven strategies of city traffic police authorities to handle the increased traffic might not be successful this year as the situation is different.
The go-slow agitation by contractors against undue delay in clearing bills and the rains have affected works, according to civic authorities. Issues related to parking are also going to hit the traders and consumers alike.
Roads in most of the major shopping areas like MG Road are in pathetic condition because of Metro Rail works and rains due to which shoppers now prefer big shopping malls along NH bye-pass.
A majority of people coming for shopping depend on private vehicles rather than using public transport which will considerably increase the vehicle density and will add to the existing traffic chaos.
The situation will be worse in areas like SA Road, MG Road and major junctions like Kadavanthra, Vyttila, Edappally and Kaloor where Metro works are on.
Meanwhile, Corporation Works Committee chairman P.M. Harris said that roads would be made motorable before the Onam rush begins.
“Though most of the roads in the central city were repaired, some stretches have been missed out. Remaining works will be finished at the earliest. During a recent review meeting, the engineers and officials have been asked to take stock of the condition of roads. After the council meeting on Thursday, another meeting will be convened, and an action plan will be prepared based on which repairing works will be carried out on a war footing,” he said.
