Traffic to ease as KMRLstarts removing barricades

Kochi: Commuters navigating the congested Pipeline Junction-Kakkanad corridor may soon find some relief, as Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has begun removing construction barriers on one side at select stretches along the Phase II project route. "We are removing barricades on one side wherever girders have been placed across a continuous one-kilometre stretch. Median construction will begin at these locations shortly. We have already precast 50 medians, which will be installed soon," a senior KMRL official said. Barricades have so far been removed at select points along Civil Line Road, Airport-Seaport Road and the Infopark Express Highway. The official added that once the medians are installed, the road surface will be levelled and tarred, further improving conditions for motorists. However, residents remain cautious about the extent of relief on offer. "There is a marginal improvement in traffic flow, but gridlocks continue during peak hours. While piling works are complete, other construction activities are still ongoing," said James Emmanuel, a resident of Chembumukku. The Palarivattom-Kakkanad route is a critical artery for the city, serving as the primary link for thousands of IT professionals and residents commuting to Kochi's tech hub. Although the Pink Line promises long-term connectivity benefits, the ongoing construction has narrowed lanes and worsened peak-hour congestion in the interim. Commuters on the JLN Stadium-Pipeline Junction stretch, however, will have to wait longer for relief. "This is the last section where construction commenced. Piling works are still in progress, and it will take more time before girders can be placed across a continuous one-kilometre stretch," the official said.