The civic infrastructure in Kochi is buckling under criticism as roads trenched by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for the AMRUT project remain in disrepair. Major arteries such as Chittoor Road and K P Vallon Road are riddled with potholes and trenches, creating chaos for commuters and traders alike. Residents under the Ernakulam District Residents Associations’ Apex Council (EDRAAC) have expressed frustration at the Kochi Corporation’s sluggish restoration efforts, labelling it a betrayal of public trust. Traffic snarls and accidents are on the rise, with reckless manoeuvres becoming the norm as drivers avoid hazardous sections.
The delay in repairs, despite favourable weather breaks in October and November, has sparked accusations of gross mismanagement. High Court orders for immediate restoration have done little to accelerate the process, with EDRAAC blaming poor inter-departmental coordination. The Confederation of Residents’ Welfare Associations (CORWA) has echoed these grievances, urging prompt action to address civic inefficiencies that have left roads unsafe and urban mobility paralysed.
On a sustainability front, experts point to missed opportunities to adopt durable solutions. Techniques such as cold mix bitumen, which requires no curing time, and geo-textile layering, which enhances load-bearing capacity, are underutilised despite demonstrations by NGOs like the Better Kochi Response Group (BKRG). Moreover, the underuse of Kochi Corporation’s mobile pothole repair machine exemplifies a lack of will to leverage modern technology. Sustainability advocates argue that repairing roads with innovative materials could mitigate long-term costs and environmental degradation caused by repeated repairs.
The broader civic implications are dire. Potholed and trenched roads not only disrupt everyday life but also tarnish the city’s urban image. For a rapidly growing urban hub like Kochi, such inefficiencies undermine development and exacerbate public discontent. Effective planning and sustainable practices are no longer optional but essential to restore civic trust and ensure a resilient urban ecosystem.
