Expert panel to inspect Polayathode overbridge service road hazards

The Polayathode overbridge in Kerala serves as a critical link for commuters traveling between residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Over recent months, traffic officials have received multiple complaints about the condition of the service road that runs beneath the bridge, noting that narrow lanes and poor lighting have contributed to a rise in minor collisions. Local residents rely on this route for daily travel, and any disruption can affect access to schools, markets, and workplaces across the region.

The catalyst for the current inspection was a formal petition submitted by an action council representing nearby homeowners. The petition detailed how a portion of a private house had been built in such a way that it protrudes onto the alignment of the service road, leaving only a limited margin for vehicles to pass safely. Council members argued that this structural intrusion creates a severe accident hazard, especially during peak traffic periods when visibility is reduced. In response, municipal authorities approved the formation of an expert panel composed of civil engineers, traffic planners, and legal advisors to assess the situation and recommend corrective measures.

The panel’s findings are expected to guide immediate remedial actions, which may include structural modifications to the overbridge, relocation of the encroaching portion of the house, or redesign of the service road layout. Residents and commuters are hopeful that the investigation will lead to a safer environment and reduce the risk of future accidents. The outcome will also set a precedent for how similar infrastructure challenges are addressed in other parts of the state.