The Public Works Department (PWD) is advancing a significant upgrade to the shoulders of the Seaport-Airport Road, a crucial 16-kilometre stretch connecting key transportation hubs. This move follows a directive from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) aimed at addressing hazardous conditions that have led to recent accidents.
The directive, issued by the Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer earlier this month, highlights the dangerous disparity between the road’s carriageway and the shoulders, which has been exacerbated by erosion and poor maintenance. The immediate catalyst for this intervention was an incident where a two-wheeler rider slipped due to the uneven shoulder height, resulting in injuries. The PWD has now submitted a proposal to the State government requesting funding for a comprehensive solution. The plan involves reinforcing the road shoulders using a combination of paver blocks, concrete, and mud. This approach is designed to level the shoulders with the carriageway, thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by sudden drops. The proposal also addresses the pressing need to manage erosion and clear overgrown vegetation, which currently impairs visibility and contributes to the road’s hazardous conditions.
Community stakeholders, including commuter groups and residents’ associations, have long advocated for these improvements. They have expressed frustration over the frequent accidents involving two-wheeler riders, who often lose balance on uneven shoulders and face severe consequences. In addition to shoulder reinforcement, there have been calls for enhanced infrastructure such as multi-level parking at nearby Infopark and improved street lighting along the Seaport-Airport Road to further mitigate risk and congestion. In response to these demands, the PWD has acknowledged the need for multi-faceted improvements but emphasised that the installation of street lights falls under the jurisdiction of local municipalities, not the PWD. The Road and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala, which originally developed the road, is also urged to expedite the overdue four-laning of the Bharata Matha College-Irumpanam stretch to alleviate current congestion.
This proposed upgrade marks a crucial step in enhancing road safety and infrastructure, reflecting a broader commitment to addressing the challenges faced by commuters and ensuring safer road conditions for all users.
