The expansion of the Kochi metro into Kakkanad faces mounting challenges as delays in the widening of Civil Line Road exacerbate traffic congestion along this crucial artery. The anticipated construction of an 11.20-km extension has prompted concerns over the preparedness of infrastructure, particularly the completion of road widening projects ahead of piling activities.
Civil Line Road, integral to the metro’s alignment, remains undersized, aggravating traffic snarls that have spurred renewed demands for timely completion of widening initiatives. Stakeholders, including MLA Uma Thomas, have voiced dissatisfaction, underscoring the imperative of fulfilling prior commitments by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to enhance road widths along the proposed corridor. Presently, preliminary steps such as test pilings and geotechnical surveys are underway, albeit without the requisite widening of Civil Line Road, which was pledged to reach a 22-meter width. KMRL acknowledges progress on segments from Palarivattom to Vazhakkala, with ongoing efforts to relocate overhead cables to facilitate comprehensive black-topping.
Nevertheless, challenges persist at critical junctions like Vennala High School Junction, prompting proposals to divert traffic through alternative routes such as Puthiya Road-Vennala-Palachuvadu-Kakkanad. Concurrently, demands have surfaced for the expedited development of infrastructure projects including the M.G. Road-Pullepady-Thammanam-NH bypass and the Chakkaraparambu-Kalachal-Infopark highway. KMRL has committed to resolving issues along the St. Martin’s Church-Palarivattom stretch by August, citing ongoing land acquisition efforts to facilitate road widening. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), however, has cited operational constraints hindering the timely relocation of electric posts, further complicating the pace of infrastructure upgrades.
