The emergence of a huge crater on the national highway at Muttam right next to a metro pillar raised alarm bells on Wednesday morning.
The crater was noticed on the track leading to Ernakulam near the SCMS College at Muttom opposite Premier Tyres. So deep was the crater that even the foundation of the metro pillars could be seen, according to local residents, who informed the police.
The problem was temporarily solved by removing the tar using an earthmover after which the crater was filled using manufactured sand.
The police restricted traffic through the area since there was a danger of the crater getting bigger with the movement of heavy vehicles.
A similar crater appeared on the national highway near garage four years ago. It was then found that there had once existed a well in the place where the road had caved in. It is not clear whether an unscientifically filled well has caused the present incident.