Repair work on the Kumbalam bridge along National Highway 66 in Kochi has been significantly delayed, leading to severe traffic congestion and safety concerns for commuters. The bridge, which is a crucial part of the Kochi bypass connecting key areas, has been facing structural issues related to soil settlement and uneven road surfaces.
Authorities had initially assured that the rectification work would be completed within a short timeframe. However, progress has been slow, with only a small portion of the work completed even after several weeks. This delay has resulted in long traffic queues, especially during peak hours, affecting daily commuters and transport services.
One of the major concerns is the uneven slope at the approach roads leading to the bridge. Due to soil settlement, there are noticeable height differences between the road and bridge surface, making it dangerous for vehicles, particularly two-wheelers. Several minor accidents have already been reported, highlighting the urgency of completing the repairs.
The situation has been further worsened by construction materials and partial road closures on the bridge, which have reduced the available space for traffic movement. This has created bottlenecks and increased travel time for thousands of commuters using this route daily.
Local residents and commuters have expressed frustration over the delay, urging authorities to expedite the work and ensure safety measures are in place. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have stated that efforts are being made to speed up the project, with a revised target to complete the work by the end of the month.
Additionally, a detailed structural study has been proposed to address the long-term issue of soil settlement, which has affected multiple sections of the highway.
Overall, the delay in repair work has not only disrupted traffic flow but also raised serious concerns about road safety, making it a pressing issue for Kochi’s infrastructure management.
News as reported
