KOCHI: When Google introduced its Map Service, travelling anywhere on the globe became an easy affair, with the destination, estimated reaching time and live traffic information available on a click.
But, relying on the service can land you in a fix if the route you take is from Palarivattom to Kakkanad. For, not even Google can predict the exact time needed to cover the stretch. Though the two spots are just seven km away, it takes over 45 harrowing minutes to negotiate the stretch, that too braving enormous potholes and ruthless traffic.
“Traffic follows the laws of fluidity. Which means that it flows smoothly only when there are no interruptions or irregularities. A small irregularity can make the flow turbulent and chaotic. A minor obstacle like a pothole can cause a major traffic block owing to backstream effect. Gutters must, therefore, be repaired immediately. It is better to build roads with better quality giving special attention to junctions and areas with U-turns, as these spots are prone to potholes due to shear forces from burning tyres,” said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, IMA vice-president and a writer on road safety.
“Queue jumping is another cause of blocks in Ernakulam. Instead of waiting for their turn, autorickshaws and some cars ignore the queue and push to the front, blocking the flow of oncoming traffic. This slows and stalls traffic in both directions. Queue jumping is discouraged by a penalty and fine and building awareness alone will not be effective,” Rajeev added.
A recent study conducted by the Kochi-based think tank, Centre for Public Policy Research, found that average speed of vehicles in the stretch fell to below 19 km per hour from 30 km per hour.“The potholes were formed much before the monsoon but the lackadaisical attitude of the PWD made it worse. Now, it takes more than an hour during the peak time to reach Kakkanad from Palarivattom. A mishap is possible anytime,” said Ashwin, a private employee about the stretch.
However, the PWD has no clue about when the repair work will start.“The lack of fund in undertaking repair work and the incessant rain have damaged the roads. The government has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for the immediate relief to fill the potholes. Since it should be carried out in a procedural manner, a tender has been invited. We hope the repair work on the stretch would start by month-end,” said MT Shabu, PWD Executive Engineer.
The quagmire called KK Road
The situation is not different in other parts of the city and the worst affected is potholed filled Kaloor-Kathrikadavu Road. While negotiating the stretch took 10 minutes before, it is now 40 minutes.
