Interests of roadside residents must be considered

It is essential to consider the interests of local residents when undertaking road development projects. The Kazhakootam bypass from Kazhakootam to Karode was constructed to ease traffic congestion in Thiruvananthapuram city. Despite the completion of the bypass, residents on both sides of the road continue to face travel difficulties. The current deplorable state of affairs is a result of authorities neglecting many of the basic requirements that should have been considered during the construction phase of the bypass. In congested areas, overpasses or underpasses are crucial for crossing the bypass. However, the lack of these facilities at multiple points along the bypass is causing immense hardship for the people. Following intense public outrage, authorities have now been compelled to construct overpasses or underpasses at critical locations in the city. The construction of an overpass has begun at Eanchakkal, one of the most traffic-congested areas in Thiruvananthapuram city, against this backdrop. Had these infrastructure improvements been incorporated during the bypass construction phase, it would have mitigated significant expenses, labour, and traveller inconvenience. Lack of planning seems to be the hallmark of many projects.

The demand for an underpass at Kulathoor Gurunagar, between Kazhakootam and Chackai, is as old as the bypass itself. Local residents have collectively raised this demand, organizing multiple protests and satyagraha, only to be assured by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials that the underpass would be built. However, the project has been repeatedly delayed, with various excuses being cited. Due to the absence of an underpass, residents west of the bypass are forced to travel long distances to reach Kulathoor. Moreover, numerous lives have been lost in accidents while attempting to cross the road. Elected representatives and various organizations have been relentlessly pushing for an underpass, but their efforts have been met with indifference from authorities. Recently, the SNDP Kulathoor branch led a protest rally, highlighting the urgent need for an underpass and condemning the authorities' apathy. This stretch of the bypass often experiences severe traffic congestion. The unregulated flow of vehicles makes crossing the bypass a daunting task. Shashi Tharoor MP has assured that if the state government provides support, he will present the issue of traffic congestion before the central authorities and strive to find a solution. He also recalled his previous efforts to address this issue. Similarly, local MLA Kadakampally Surendran also spoke about his efforts towards the Gurunagar underpass. People's leaders must continue to put pressure on this issue as things will move forward only if there is political pressure. The Gurunagar underpass is a public necessity, and everyone should come forward to make it a reality, setting aside political differences.

Many public requirements like this need to be addressed in the ongoing national highway development. Our state had been lagging behind in road development until recent times. Somehow, development works are currently going on in full swing. Although the development of national highways will make transportation smoother, authorities should also consider and address the difficulties faced by residents and business establishments on both sides. Stringent restrictions are currently in place regarding access from service roads to homes along the highway. The interests of long-time residents must be protected. The authorities must not forget that laws and regulations are meant for the benefit of humans.