Serpentine queues of vehicles has become the norm in and around Vyttila and Kundannoor junctions on the NH bypass thanks to delay on the part of the PWD (NH Wing) in integrating service roads with the bypass and completing slip roads in a time-bound manner.

This is in addition to the delay in completing the construction of the Vyttila flyover. Official sources said the facility could be readied by September, and that 65% of work was over.

Bus services hit

Buses operating through the junction are among the worst hit. “At least a trip is cancelled each day as buses get held up at the junction during each trip. The recent increase in traffic holdups has led to buses having to curtail two trips, affecting passengers and also our income. Many others are forced to curtail their trips before Vyttila and return for fear of getting caught in snarls at the two junctions,” said T.J. Raju of KMTC bus company.

He added that heavy barricading for the metro-rail work in the Vyttila-Pettah corridor had made matters worse.

Sources associated with the Vyttila flyover work said traffic congestion would be eased by May-end after slip roads were readied on the northern side of the junction.

“The narrow service road in front of the Vyttila temple can be widened only after a few cents of land are acquired. The PWD has submitted a report to the District Collector, citing the need to widen the stretch,” they added.

Over 50% work on the Kundannoor flyover is over. Slip roads that were promised over a year ago were readied only a fortnight ago. The service road on the eastern side is still in bad condition, considerably slowing vehicles moving from Maradu to Thevara.