Kaloor-Kathrikadavu road crumbles in rain

KOCHI: The first wave of summer rains has reduced the busy Kaloor-Kathrikadavu road into slush channel as the authorities concerned were unable to undertake the repair work due to the intransigent approach of the Election Commission. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) owning the road has approached the EC seeking permission for undertaking the work.

But EC declined citing the model code of conduct in force. The road from Kaloor Jn to Kathrikkadavu Bridge has been in a dilapidated condition after the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) dug up one side of the road for pipe laying works few months ago.

The portion from Kaloor Jn to DD Tower is the worst-hit and people are even unable to walk stretch due to puddles of water and slush. According to GCDA officials the tender process for repair work — estimated to cost around Rs 1.76 crore — has been completed in February ahead of the KWA work. The condition of the road is likely to worsen in the coming days further as most contractors are unlikely take up the work with the onset of monsoon.