Traffic snarl worsens around Kochi Metro Extension, NHAI flyovers

Vehicles from the Aluva side remain stuck on the service turn without splashing left on the south side of the Edappally flyover on 4 July 2026. Commuters are demanding that NHAI widen the narrowed free left turn at Edappally Junction to ensure smoother traffic. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Unscientific site management, potholes and the resulting traffic jam around the Kochi Metro Kakkanad extension works at Palarivattom and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) flyover works on both sides of Edappally Junction are making life miserable for commuters on the busy main roads, according to traffic police officials and commuters.

This in turn affected intra-city, inter-county and inter-state commuters, often causing traffic jams on other city roads. The situation remains unchanged despite a meeting called by District Superintendent of Police (Kochi City) S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, police sources said.

Besides, the police also expressed helplessness in streamlining traffic flow, citing bottlenecks on several alternative roads caused by potholes, poorly restored ditches dug by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) and other agencies, and haphazard parking.

Sherif S., Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kochi Traffic Police (East), expressed concern over the worsening traffic snarls at Palarivattom, Edappally Junction, Cheranalloor on NH 66 and Seaport-Airport Road over the past fortnight, attributing it mainly to unscientific roadblocks that leave little space for motorists.

“In most cases, neither the NHAI nor the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) consults the police while carrying out such works. The situation is aggravated by the lack of supervision where workers of the contractor firms decide where to erect barricades and dig trenches without considering the inconvenience caused to road users. Further, the contractors do not even contribute to the disruption of traffic at these places.

Regarding the severe waterlogging and potholes near the Jawaharlal Nehru Metro Station, where the Kakkanadu extension work is underway, Mr. Sherif said such problems could have been avoided if KMRL and NHAI had followed the ‘Guidelines for Traffic Management in Work Zones’ under Section 55 of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), 2014. “The minimum the two agencies can do is to carry out the work round the clock to speed up these already delayed projects and remove the barricades as soon as possible. NHAI also needs to urgently fill the potholes on the Edappally-Palarivattom bypass for which it collects tolls. Besides, it should appoint a liaison officer to coordinate with the police and civic agencies.”

The situation was further aggravated by the Kochi Corporation’s alleged delay in rehabilitating trench roads that could have been used as diversion routes. These include the Thammanam-Pullepady road and its connecting road leading to the NH bypass. A senior corporation official said efforts are on to restore the roads while an interim contract has been awarded to repair the potholed roads. “Agencies like KWA, KMRL and NHAI, which dig up the roads, must ensure their timely restoration. They must also prevent debris and mud from their sites from entering the drains and clogging them,” he added.

On the need for inter-departmental coordination, District Collector G. Priyanka said instructions have been issued to the Corporation, Public Works Department and NHAI to ensure proper maintenance of roads under their jurisdiction. “They also need to heed the communication from the police and motor vehicle department regarding roads and related infrastructure,” she added.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 01:23 IST