Traffic woes continue as bridge work trails

October 9, 2013

By Express News Service – MARADU

Though the ban imposed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on vehicular traffic through the Aroor-Kumbalam old bridge completes 100 days on Monday, the authorities are yet to complete the repair work.

It was initially announced that the work would be completed before September. The old bridge that runs parallel to the Aroor-Kumbalam new bridge was closed more than three months ago after the heavy rains that lashed the area washed off the tarred surface. Thereafter, vehicles from Aroor and Vyttila were allowed ply only though the new bridge.

According to commuters and residents, vehicles can move only at snail’s pace. “Earlier, the old bridge was utilised by vehicles plying to Aroor from Vyttila while vehicles from the opposite direction plied through the new bridge. Now, all vehicles are forced to use the new bridge which is causing heavy traffic congestion in the area,” said Suresh Babu, a resident.

This is also causing accidents. “Though authorities have collecting huge amount as toll from commuters, they fail to provide a safe journey through the area. We need the old bridge to be opened for vehicular traffic. Or else, necessary steps should be taken to avoid accidents,” said Unnikrishnan, a commuter.

There are also allegations that the authorities have failed to conduct repair work on the bridge. “Though the bridge was resurfaced by a private company a couple of years ago, a good share of the tarred surface has been damaged,” he said. Meanwhile, sources with NHAI said a probe on how much area of the tarred surface of the bridge was damaged.

Source-http://newindianexpress.com