THRISSUR: A massive traffic congestion on National Highway 544 at Muringoor, which began Friday night, continued on Saturday morning, leaving commuters stranded for hours, Mathrubhumi News reported.
The deadlock occurred around 8 pm near the under-construction stretch in Muringoor, when a timber-laden lorry skidded off the service road into a ditch and overturned, scattering logs across the road. Police, fire force, and locals worked during the night to clear the timber.
The lorry was going to Perumbavoor from Pattambi, and those inside the lorry escaped without any injuries. However, the service road was left with deep craters due to vehicle movement. Though the road was cleared soon, the traffic snarl intensified later. The gridlock is severe on the road leading to Ernakulam from Chalakudy.
Some drivers said they had been stuck on the road since 2 am and criticised the authorities for failing to repair the huge potholes, reported Manorama News.
Traffic congestion has become a regular issue on the Thrissur-Angamaly stretch of NH 544, especially since the beginning of construction works for an underpass in Muringoor, making it difficult for passengers travelling to the Cochin International Airport, Technopark, and Infopark.