Tripunithura railway overbridge potholes are creating a safety hazard on the busy SN Junction–Refinery Road, with two-wheeler riders reportedly falling after hitting road depressions and raised stretches of tar. The Mathrubhumi report said the bridge has around 10 potholes, while inadequate lighting and rainwater accumulating in them are increasing the danger, particularly at night.
The overbridge lies on a major route used continuously by buses, tanker lorries and other vehicles. The condition of the road is especially risky for two-wheelers, which can lose balance when they enter the potholes or encounter uneven tar along the edge of the bridge. The report said accidents involving riders falling on the bridge have become frequent.
In some sections near the side of the bridge, tar has hardened and risen above the road surface. Two-wheelers travelling over these raised portions can tilt and fall, adding another hazard to the potholes themselves. The combination of uneven surfacing, vehicle movement and limited space on a heavily used road increases the risk of collisions and traffic disruption.
Rainfall is worsening the visibility of the road defects. Water collects inside the potholes, making it difficult for drivers to judge their depth and position. The report also pointed to insufficient lighting on the bridge at night, when the damaged surface becomes harder to see for commuters and commercial vehicle drivers.
The road’s importance means that the problem extends beyond individual vehicle damage or falls. Buses, tanker lorries and other vehicles use the SN Junction–Refinery Road throughout the day, and the damaged bridge surface is contributing to continued traffic congestion, according to the report. Sudden braking or swerving by riders trying to avoid the potholes can further interrupt the movement of vehicles on the route.
The report said authorities have not taken action to fill the potholes, allowing the unsafe condition to continue. It did not identify a specific agency responsible for repairs or provide a timeline for remedial work. Immediate attention to the road surface and lighting remains pending, with the bridge continuing to carry regular traffic in its present condition.
