Deep potholes on the Thrippunithura Road near Petta Junction are creating accident risks and worsening traffic congestion, according to a report by Mathrubhumi. The road is part of the National Highway network and carries buses and other vehicles continuously.
The damaged stretch lies just before Petta Junction, close to a metro pillar. The potholes were created after the Kerala Water Authority reportedly excavated the road months ago to repair a drinking-water pipeline. The excavated section was not properly filled or resurfaced, while a large pothole beside it also remains open.
The location becomes particularly dangerous for motorists travelling down from Petta Bridge towards the junction. Drivers reportedly notice the potholes only at close range and may brake suddenly to avoid them, increasing the risk of collisions. Two-wheeler riders have reportedly fallen after entering the damaged sections, while auto-rickshaw drivers are struggling to move through the area.
The road damage is also affecting traffic movement. Vehicles, including buses, are required to negotiate the potholes on a heavily used route, contributing to congestion near the junction. The proximity of the damaged section to the metro pillar further narrows the margin for vehicles attempting to avoid it.
Some crushed stone was placed in the potholes recently, but local residents told Mathrubhumi that regular traffic could quickly displace the material and leave the road surface dangerously uneven again. The report does not identify any confirmed repair schedule or agency responsible for completing the resurfacing.
The condition highlights the safety risks that can persist when utility excavation on major urban roads is not followed by timely restoration. No official response or completion timeline was included in the report.
