Highway Work Cuts Off Access To Edappally, Marottichuvadu Areas
Highway project blocks key access routes, leaving Edappally and Marottichuvadu residents struggling with connectivity.
Residents and commuters in parts of Kochi have raised concerns after ongoing highway development work effectively sealed off access to key localities, including Edappally and Marottichuvadu. The changes, implemented as part of widening and infrastructure upgrades along the National Highway 66 corridor, have reportedly disrupted daily movement and affected businesses in the area.
Local residents say the reconfiguration of service roads and the construction of barriers have significantly limited entry and exit points to the neighbourhoods. Several internal roads that previously connected the areas to the highway have been closed or altered, forcing motorists and pedestrians to take longer detours to reach nearby destinations.
Shop owners and small business operators in the locality claim the restrictions have led to a noticeable decline in customer footfall. Many said that customers who earlier accessed their establishments directly from the highway are now unable to do so easily due to barricades and the lack of proper access routes.
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Authorities have said that the changes are part of a broader highway modernisation project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion along one of Kerala’s busiest corridors. The project includes road widening, the construction of flyovers and the reorganisation of service lanes to enhance safety and streamline vehicular movement.
However, residents argue that the planning did not adequately consider the needs of local communities. They have demanded clearer signage, additional access points and better coordination with local bodies to ensure that neighbourhood connectivity is not severely affected.
Urban planning experts note that highway expansion projects often require temporary or permanent changes to road access, which can create short-term disruption. They stress that proper design of service roads, pedestrian crossings and local entry points is essential to balance large-scale infrastructure development with the needs of nearby residential and commercial areas.
Local residents’ groups have urged authorities to review the current arrangements and implement corrective measures to restore easier access to the affected neighbourhoods. They say that while infrastructure development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of isolating established communities and disrupting everyday life in the area.
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