The police have identified over 30 safety problems that lurk on the city’s roads

A roadside pothole posing a threat to motorists near Kunnara Park in Vyttila. This year, the police have identified 15 safety issues to be rectified by the PWD and 14 by the NHAI. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Police have highlighted more than 30 safety issues lurking on various roads across the city, from lack of zebra crossings to deadly stretches. The Traffic (East) Wing of the Kochi City Police has brought the issue to the attention of the concerned department on multiple roads.

So far this year, the police have identified 15 problems to be fixed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and 14 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Problems reported by PWDs include the alleged faulty design of the road causing frequent accidents on the Chambakkara-Pettah stretch. Meanwhile, the Kochi Metro has been alerted to frequent accidents due to vehicles hitting metro poles along the stretch.

Police have pointed out the creation of dangerous potholes at various stretches, including near Kunnara Park and exit of Vyttila Mobility Hub on Vyttila-Pettah road and near Kangarappady Masjid on Edappally-Pookkattupady road. They also highlighted the difficulties faced by pedestrians while crossing National Highway 66 bypass at Edappally.

The police’s communications with the NHAI pertain to issues including the alleged faulty design of the median on Container Road, damaged approaches to the Madavana-Kumbalam bridges and the creation of menacing potholes on the Kalamassery railway flyover. The police also highlighted the need for speed locks at Anavathil on Container Road as well as rumble strips and reflective studs on the Chalikkavattom-Ponnurunni NH 66 section.

Most of the problems were reported between April and June, police sources said. “Road safety can be ensured by timely and coordinated responses of multiple departments and agencies involved. The traffic police consistently monitors the road situation and reports it to the concerned departments,” said the traffic police chief.

PWD and NHAI officials said the department was looking into the issue and taking necessary steps. “We are fixing ongoing contracts to carry out road maintenance works. Some problems flagged by the police, including potholes in various sections, have been fixed. Sometimes there are delays in the works due to gaps in the renewal or repair of new operating contracts that are signed for a year,” said an OZP official.

Published – 27 Jun 2026 21:21 IST