Large potholes on the Mannoor–Valakom road in Perumbavoor are creating safety risks for motorists, pedestrians and schoolchildren, with residents saying repeated complaints over the past six months have not led to repairs. The damaged stretches are located in front of Mannoor Church and near Annapoorna Junction.
Residents have reportedly submitted complaints through the Public Works Department’s mobile application. When the issue was raised about a month ago, the assistant engineer concerned is said to have replied that the potholes could be repaired only during the next re-tarring of the road.
A car was damaged after falling into one of the potholes in recent days, according to the report. Residents have described the holes as a continuing accident hazard, particularly because the road carries regular vehicle and pedestrian movement.
The affected section passes near a school, a church, a petrol pump and a bar. School students, pedestrians and other road users use the route throughout the day. Residents have also raised concerns about unauthorised truck parking along the roadside, which they say creates an additional obstruction and increases the risk to passing vehicles.
The lack of street lighting is adding to the danger after dark. Two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable at night when potholes and roadside obstructions are harder to identify. Overgrown vegetation along the road has also been cited as a problem because it reduces visibility for motorists and pedestrians.
Residents are seeking immediate filling of the potholes rather than waiting for the next scheduled re-tarring. They have also called for action against unauthorised parking, removal of roadside vegetation, installation or restoration of street lighting, and accountability for officials if safety complaints continue to go unaddressed.
The reported response from the Public Works Department links repairs to the next re-tarring work, but the report does not specify a repair date or confirm whether interim measures have been ordered. Residents are seeking action before the damaged road contributes to a more serious accident.
