Kuttiady Pass Plunged into Chaos: Kerala Diversions Spark Nightmare for Commuters

A collapsed retaining wall on the vital National Highway 766 at Thamarasherry Churam has unleashed a torrent of traffic woes upon Kerala's Kuttiady Pass, transforming what should be a straightforward journey into an agonizing ordeal for thousands. The infrastructural failure has necessitated a major diversion, rerouting heavy vehicles and buses through the narrow, winding lanes of Kuttiady, triggering unprecedented gridlock and leaving commuters stranded for hours on end.

The District Collector's directive, issued in response to the damaged retaining wall, mandated that all heavy vehicles and buses, including private and KSRTC services, utilize the Kuttiady-Koorachund-Thamarassery route.

This crucial decision, intended to ensure safety, has inadvertently created a choke point, with the alternative route struggling to cope with the sudden surge in traffic volume. The once-picturesque pass has become a symbol of frustration and delay.

Reports from the ground paint a bleak picture: vehicle queues stretching for kilometres, particularly along the Koorachund stretch where the diverted traffic converges.

Passengers, many of whom are women, children, and the elderly, are forced to endure gruelling waits without access to basic amenities. The emotional toll is palpable, with many expressing exasperation over the unexpected disruption to their daily lives and travel plans.

A significant contributing factor to the chaos is the inconsistent adherence to the diversion order by private bus operators.

While KSRTC buses are largely complying, private services often opt for their usual routes, forcing passengers bound for destinations beyond Thamarassery to alight and seek alternative transport, frequently at their own expense and with considerable difficulty. This disparity only exacerbates the frustration, creating further bottlenecks as passengers scramble for connections.

The ripple effect of this traffic nightmare extends beyond mere inconvenience.

Daily commuters, including those travelling for work, education, or essential services, face significant delays, impacting productivity and punctuality. The local economy also suffers, with businesses potentially losing customers due to the prohibitive travel conditions. Authorities are grappling with managing the flow, but the sheer volume of diverted traffic on unsuitable roads presents an immense challenge.

As the situation persists, the clamour for more effective traffic management strategies and a swift resolution to the damaged highway infrastructure grows louder.

Commuters hope that urgent measures will be taken not only to repair the primary route but also to ensure smoother, less disruptive diversions in the future. Until then, the Kuttiady Pass remains a testament to the fragility of infrastructure and the profound impact its failure can have on the lives of ordinary people.