THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Manholes which are located on major city roads are turning deathtraps for commuters. Positioned in the middle of the road in many areas, these manholes have become nightmares for motorists mostly.
Circular, square traps
The utility holes are mostly found in circular and square shapes. The square type manholes have vary sharp edges which increases the risk of accidents and cause damage to vehicles, especially during the nights and rains.
“ It is very difficult to navigate through Nandavanam road in the capital city. Since the road is very narrow, the pavement is often occupied by vehicles which forces pedestrians to use the main road. The presence of such manholes in a congested and narrow road is a major threat and the riks of accidents for two-wheelers are aggravated,” said Shankaran P Nampoothiri, a commuter. “ Towards Sasthamangalam to Kochar road, a cylindrical metal body jutting from the road is posing a major threat to two wheelers. A number of accidents have already taken place and continue to do so daily,” said Govind, who stays on the stretch.
Shoddy Patch Works
“Manholes and metal bodies are not the only threats. The patchwork done by telecom companies on the roads result in unsafe roads. These patched up roads is also unsafe for two wheelers,” Govind adds.
Small deep pits at the center of the roads are also major culprits. The risk is understood mostly during the night when the these small holes are filled with water. The wheels of two-wheelers get locked on these holes resulting in accidents. This won’t adversely affect four-wheelers though.
“ Manholes that are found at Nandavanam and in other parts of the city are created by Reliance group. We have not given them sanction for the manhole. I have personally pointed out these faults to the concerned authority. Till now, they have not maintained the holes properly which is a threat to people’s lives,” said project director Anil Kumar Pandala.
Death traps
Towards Sasthamangalam- Kochar road, a cylindrical metal body jutting from the road is posing a major threat to two wheelers. A number of accidents have occurred
Risky points
Nandavanam road
Sasthamangalam-Kochar stretch