Kochi: With couple of weeks left for the Onam festivities to begin, roads in Tripunithura, known for the famed Athac-hamayam, remain in very bad condition with deep potholes and damaged shoulders. Though roads were ruined in heavy rains the Public Works Department hasn’t initiated steps to fill potholes.
“Traffic will come to a standstill during busy festival days, if bad roads are not repaired on war footing. The busy North Fort gate junction, SN junction and the narrow Petta Bridge, a major traffic bottleneck, are in dilapidated condition. The areas have been witnessing heavy traffic congestion since the monsoon intensified,” said Suresh Mohan, a regular commuter.
The Vaikkom – Tripu-nithura road at Puthiy-akavu is also in rundown condition resulting in heavy traffic congestion. The deep potholes and broken shoulders in front of the Government Ayurveda College and near the Siva temple turn fatal for commuters, especially two-wheeler riders.
Meanwhile, municipal authorities submitted letter to PWD urging immediate measures to repair roads before Onam days. Municipal chairperson R. Chandrika Devi told DC that letters have been submitted to PWD minister and top department officials including executive engineer seeking immediate steps to restore damaged roads.
“PWD officials informed that tender process has been completed and work order was given and the contractor will start works in couple of days. Only 10 days remain for the Athachamayam which is on August 15. The restoration works have to be completed before the festival season,” she said. “If the PWD fails to start works soon, civic administration would probe alternative measures,” she added.
