High vehicle density killing roads in Cochin

Kochi: The Kaloor-- Kadavanthra road of the Greater Cochin Development Authority,  which was a model road till recently, is in a pathetic condition now and the GCDA authorities blame high vehicle density for it.  As part of traffic diversion to facilitate Metro rail works, heavy vehicles, including KSRTC buses, are being diverted through the KK Road to enter and exit the city due to which the road has been damaged badly, according to the development authority.

“Though the road was developed with a five-year guarantee using bitumen macadam and bitumen concrete, large potholes have developed at many places, especially at junctions which are vulnerable spots. Relaying of the road can be undertaken only during the  dry spell. However, emergency path works will be carried out  this week itself,” said GCDA chairman N. Venugopal.

According to him,  the road has to be developed with five-year guarantee as vehicle density will increase in the coming days.

But the resurfacing of the road will be delayed further as the Kerala Water Authority has plans to lay pipelines near Kathrikadavu rail overbridge. “Relaying works will start from Kaloor and will be completed once the KWA pipe laying is over,” Mr Venugopal said.

Meanwhile, public ire is mounting over the apathy of the GCDA in repairing the badly damaged stretches. Motorists say that the road has become one of the worst-maintained stretches in the city.