Paruthippara - Muttada road: PWD calls tender for 4th time

Thiruvananthapuram: The public works department (PWD) has called for a tender for the renovation of the Paruthippara-Muttada Road in the state capital for the fourth time. The department invited the e-tender following the administrative sanction given by the govt. The last three times, no bidders participated due to the complexities involved in the road renovation project.Unlike other roads, there is Kerala water authority's (KWA) high-pressure pipeline that lies under the road, causing frequent pipe bursts and ensuing water supply disruption.
This stretch has been in a deplorable condition for years. The dilapidated road, riddled with potholes, has become a hazard for both pedestrians and motorists, raising concerns about public safety and infrastructure management. The Muttada section has long been notorious for recurring pipeline bursts, which have not only disrupted the water supply but also left the road in a constant state of disrepair.
According to PWD chief engineer Ajith Ramachandran, the department has called the tender thrice. "Now, a new tender has been called, and we expect the work to start promptly. However, this will be a temporary solution. The long-term solution will be the shifting of the high-pressure pipe that lies underneath. It is connected to the Medical College region. That work will be a tedious one, and it will also take time. So, we are now focusing on repairing the road," Ramachandran said.
However, the water scarcity in the region, coupled with the poor road conditions, has severely affected daily life. Locals are now demanding swift and immediate action to repair the stretch fearing that continued delays could lead to serious accidents or even fatalities.
Large craters and uneven surfaces dominate the road, forcing vehicles to swerve precariously and leading to accidents involving pedestrians. "Every day, riding or walking along this road feels like taking a risk. The potholes are so deep that they could seriously injure someone, and the situation only worsens after incidents of pipe burst," said Deepu MR, a local resident who traverses the road often. "For years the authorities have promised to repair the road, but nothing significant has happened yet," he added.
The PWD is also coordinating with the KWA to ensure that the pipe bursts are addressed first. Once that is done, a complete revamp of the road will be undertaken.