Traffic stuck in Kochi for hours due to heavy rain

KOCHI: Major roads and junctions in the city and outskirts choked in the heavy downpour which lasted for several hours from morning. Traffic came to a standstill as vehicles had to wade through big water-filled potholes.

The Tripunithura – Vyttila Road where Kochi Metro Rail Limited has undertaken widening works was the worst hit. It took more than an hour to cover the 4.5 km stretch.

Similar was the situation along the Kalamassery – Kaloor stretch where Metro works are on. Daily commuters from other places had a tough time entering and exiting the city.

Long queue of vehicles were seen at major junctions like Vyttila, Kadavanthra, Palarivattom, Kaloor and Edappally.  Several long distance private buses terminated services at Vyttila Mobility Hub.

Meanwhile, corporation works committee chairperson Soumini Jain told DC that except a couple of instances, no major complaints were received on flooding in the city.

“The city’s areas which regularly get waterlogged like MG Road, south railway station road and KSRTC bus stand were not that much affected by the heavy downpour. Though the roads were flooded, water drained out immediately after the rains. Water logging was reported from parts of SA Road and civic officials have been instructed to clear outlets to ensure free flow of water,” she said.

Assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Baby Vinod said that heavy traffic congestion was experienced at Rajaji Road and North rail overbridge.

“Due to the heavy downpour and water logging, traffic was affected in some parts of the city. But traffic congestion eased when rain receded,” he said.