Kochi Metro corridor a risky ride for riders

Kochi: With the construction of the Kochi Metro entering the final phase, commuting along the Metro corridor has turned out to be very dangerous, especially during heavy rains.

The temporarily re-laid roads have failed to withstand the rains and the absence of bus shelters and streetlights have added to the woes.

Two-wheeler riders skidding and falling along the poorly lit roads during the night has become common.

Though additional cops and wardens have been appointed to manage traffic, the bad patches and bottlenecks slow down the traffic flow.

“Along SA Road, the stretch from Dream Hotel to Kadavanthra is a regular problem area. Though the road was recently re-laid, it was damaged and vehicles have to move at a snail’s pace resulting in severe traffic congestion,” said Joseph Xavier, a bank employee, a regular commuter.  

Meanwhile, traffic wardens say that it is really tough to manage movement of vehicles when it rains.  

“Lack of awareness on proper road management and instances of traffic rule violations are the major problems,” said Beena Antony, a traffic warden.

It is a dangerous ride for two-wheeler riders through these stretches. “Big potholes have formed in many areas. When it rains, it becomes more dangerous as bike riders do not have an idea of the depth of potholes. Lack of proper streetlights is another problem,” said Arjun C .Lenin, a native of Kaloor.

Since most of the bus shelters have been removed to facilitate Metro works, passengers have to wait under the hot sun and heavy rains.

Residents from Edapally to Kaloor are affected the most.  Since commuters have to take shelter in shops near bus stops, confrontation between commuters and traders is a common sight.