A major safety concern at the Kumbalam bridge in Kochi is now being addressed, as authorities have initiated repair work to fix the dangerous uneven slope that has led to multiple accidents.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started rectification work at the bridge approach, where a sharp and uneven elevation difference between the road and bridge surface had been posing a serious risk to motorists. The issue gained attention following several incidents, including a major accident earlier this year that left a commuter seriously injured.
Officials stated that the problem is caused by soil settlement, a phenomenon where the ground beneath the approach roads gradually sinks over time. Since the bridge structure is built on deep foundations while the connecting roads rest on softer reclaimed land, the mismatch creates abrupt height differences, making high-speed travel dangerous—especially at night.
The ongoing repair work aims to level the surface and ensure smoother transitions for vehicles. Authorities have indicated that the work is expected to be completed within approximately two weeks, after which commuters should experience safer and more stable travel conditions.
Experts have also pointed out that similar issues exist at other major junctions in Kochi, including areas like Kundannoor and Vyttila, though corrective measures there are still pending due to administrative challenges.
To prevent future occurrences, proposals for a long-term structural study have been put forward, aiming to identify permanent engineering solutions for such settlement-related problems.
The move has been welcomed by commuters, who had long raised concerns over safety risks at the location. Authorities have assured continued monitoring to ensure that such hazards are minimized across the city’s road infrastructure.
News as reported
