Don't take this route; traffic jam hits 15th hour, passengers including patients stranded

THRISSUR: Traffic on the Ernakulam-Thrissur national highway has been severely jammed for 15 hours, causing major problems for travellers, including patients. The traffic jam, which started yesterday at 11 PM, has still not been cleared.

A large number of vehicles, including trucks coming from other states, are stuck. Heavy rain is making the situation worse. There is a long line of vehicles, and some are running out of fuel. People heading to the airport, hospitals, or funerals are also trapped in the traffic jam.

The problem started when a lorry carrying trees fell into a ditch on a service road in the Murungoor area, where construction work on the underpass was underway. Fallen debris blocked the road from 8 PM last night until early morning. Police, fire and rescue teams, and locals cleared the debris. Traffic was restored, but the jam became severe again.

The poor condition of the road and the lack of alternative arrangements at the construction site have worsened the situation. While the construction of the overpass and underpass continues, travellers rely on service roads. Many of these service roads are in bad condition, with potholes and ditches, contributing to the traffic congestion.