A goods truck became trapped in an elevated roadside drain near Eramalloor Junction in Aroor on Monday night, damaging its undercarriage and leaving the vehicle unable to move, according to a report by Mathrubhumi. The incident has renewed concerns about the height and design of drains built along the National Highway between Aroor and Thuravoor.
The truck was stuck in front of a Hindustan Petroleum fuel station near Eramalloor Junction after its underside struck the drain constructed between the fuel station and the highway. The impact broke plates underneath the vehicle and bent the section where the axle connects, leaving the truck immobilised.
The vehicle, which was carrying goods to Marthandam in Tamil Nadu, had reportedly filled fuel and was attempting to re-enter the National Highway when it became trapped at about 8.45 pm. The report did not identify the operator or specify the duration of the disruption caused by the immobilised truck.
The incident was reportedly the second such occurrence at the same location in a matter of weeks. On the 13th of the previous month, another goods truck became stuck above the drain, with its plates breaking in the process. Mathrubhumi reported that several vehicles have become trapped after striking elevated drains between Aroor and Thuravoor.
The roadside drainage works were undertaken as part of the elevated highway project. According to the report, the drains constructed during the initial phase were built at a height that creates difficulties for vehicles moving between the highway and adjoining properties. Vehicle owners are reportedly required to bear the repair costs resulting from the damage.
The report said protests had been raised over the height of the drains, but alleged that the contractor and the National Highways Authority of India had not taken corrective action. It also said that sections of the cycle path alongside the elevated drains were raised and lowered in a wave-like pattern, without resolving the underlying access problem.
The latest incident places the focus on how highway-edge drainage, cycle paths and access points are being coordinated around the elevated corridor. The immediate issue reported by Mathrubhumi is the repeated trapping of commercial vehicles and the resulting damage. No official response from the contractor or the National Highways Authority of India was included in the report.
