The Koothattukulam–Thirumarady–Aroor road in Ernakulam district has remained difficult to use for more than two and a half months after a section was dug up for re-tarring, leaving residents, motorists and pedestrians struggling to travel through the area. The affected stretch runs from Mannathoor Pallikkavala to Thattekkad and is reported to be in an unusable condition.
The 1.25-kilometre section was reportedly in good condition before it was included in a new road work package. It was added to the project along with the approximately 1.75-kilometre Thattekkad–Chettappeedika road so that the combined length could meet the minimum distance requirement for road works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, or PMGSY.
According to the report, PMGSY works require a road length of at least three kilometres. The newly constructed Thattekkad–Chettappeedika road was therefore combined with the existing Mannathoor Pallikkavala–Thattekkad section for tarring. The decision has left a previously usable road surface damaged while the wider work remains incomplete.
The road, which includes several uphill and downhill sections, has been left covered with loose metal and rounded stones. Residents said two-wheelers frequently meet with accidents on the stretch, while four-wheelers face the risk of damage. Walking through the area has also become difficult, forcing people travelling to Mannathoor and nearby locations to take longer alternative routes.
Around 70 families live in the affected area. The Thattekkad St Mary’s Jacobite Chapel is also located beside the road, creating additional access difficulties for people attending worship. The condition of the road has consequently affected both routine local movement and access to a community institution.
The Thattekkad–Chettappeedika road had reportedly been laid with a metal surface more than a year ago. However, the section connecting it to Mannathoor Pallikkavala has remained in a damaged state since it was opened for the tarring work. The report did not specify the contractor, the sanctioned project cost, the revised completion date or the reason for the delay.
Residents have called for intervention by the authorities and for the construction work to be completed without further delay so that the road can be made usable. The report does not mention an official response or a confirmed deadline for completing the repairs.
