The Pampakuda-Kaini Laksham Veedu Nagar Road in Ernakulam district is facing growing demands for widening and safety improvements after residents reported dangerous bends, steep gradients, poor visibility and unprotected drops along the route.
The road, also known as the Chooralil Varghese Road, links Ward 13 of Pampakuda panchayat with Thirumarady panchayat. It is less than two kilometres long and begins near Pampakuda Government Hospital before reaching Poovathumthotti Junction. The route also provides access to the Areekkal Waterfalls tourist area, Kakkoor and Kakkoor Kochu Palli.
Although official records reportedly show the panchayat road as six metres wide, residents said it narrows considerably at several locations. Dense vegetation along both sides of the tarred road has further reduced visibility, making it difficult for vehicles travelling in opposite directions to pass safely.
Residents told Mathrubhumi that sharp curves, steep uphill and downhill sections and insufficient space for vehicles to give way have led to frequent arguments and physical altercations. The road is regularly used by people from Piravom, Muvattupuzha and Koothattukulam, as well as by hundreds of residents living along its sides.
Safety concerns are particularly serious at sections where one side of the road drops more than 20 feet, according to the report. Residents said safety barriers and warning signs are absent even at deep stretches, leaving drivers vulnerable to losing control on bends or near steep edges.
The road’s condition also affects access to nearby residential areas, the hospital surroundings and local tourist destinations. Residents are seeking the removal or correction of dangerous bends, widening of the road, installation of safety barriers and placement of warning boards at vulnerable points.
The demand has been raised for the panchayat road to be developed as a safer connection between Pampakuda and Thirumarady. The report does not specify a sanctioned project, funding allocation or implementation timeline for the proposed improvements.
