Road, drainage works progressing along Palarivattom corridor

Road and drainage restoration work between Palarivattom and Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) International Stadium metro station by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is ongoing and both Kochi Corporation and KMRL officials are inspecting the area on a daily basis.

St. in Palarivattom. The laying of the interlocking tiles in front of St. Martin’s Church was completed in a short time and foundation works, including metal spreading and surface leveling, are continuing. However, progress has been measured rather than rapid due to the presence of the Kerala Water Authority underground pipeline along the corridor. The potholed road has long been a major contributor to traffic congestion in the region.

On Friday, pipes were installed at two junctions to connect to drains and facilitate water flow. Sludge-clogged drains are also being cleared, but muddy conditions persist in several sections cordoned off with barriers. “We have appointed two supervisors to monitor the work, which will be inspected on a daily basis,” said sources in the company’s engineering wing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kochi Corporation had announced that the second phase of Kochi Metro from JLN stadium to Knowledge Park is underway in St. It had given a 10-day deadline to KMRL to resolve traffic congestion and waterlogging caused by potholed roads and clogged drains along the road in front of St. Martin Church.

Police have been instructed to explore the possibility of allowing larger vehicles such as buses on the Aluva side to proceed directly instead of being diverted from the Palarivattom junction. Vehicles coming from Aluva, Kakkanad and Thammanam meeting at the roundabout has been identified as one of the major causes of traffic chaos.

Mayor VK Minimol said, “However, the police have not yet implemented the regulation citing concerns that traffic congestion may worsen and are awaiting road widening work to reach St. Martin’s Church. Since the U-turn in front of the church is closed, allowing such a direct passage will facilitate the flow of vehicles.”