Thiruvananthapuram: The reopening of schools across Kerala has added fresh pressure to already congested urban roads, leaving thousands of commuters struggling with longer travel times and traffic bottlenecks during peak hours.
With more than 36 lakh students returning to classrooms for the new academic year, roads in major cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have witnessed a sharp increase in vehicle movement. School buses, private vehicles, and office commuters are contributing to severe congestion on several key routes.
In Kochi, traffic snarls have become a daily challenge, particularly in areas such as Kakkanad, Palarivattom, and Padamugal. Ongoing infrastructure projects, road narrowing caused by metro construction, and deteriorating road conditions have further compounded the problem. Commuters report spending significantly more time on routes that previously took only a few minutes to traverse.
The situation has been aggravated by monsoon-related road damage. Potholes and poorly maintained stretches on several major roads have slowed traffic movement and increased travel delays. Civic authorities have acknowledged that continuous rainfall and ongoing utility works have affected road conditions in multiple parts of the city.
Traffic experts note that the reopening of educational institutions traditionally leads to a seasonal spike in congestion, as school transportation coincides with regular office-hour traffic. The challenge becomes more pronounced in cities where infrastructure expansion has struggled to keep pace with growing vehicle numbers.
Residents and commuters have urged authorities to improve traffic management, expedite road repairs, and accelerate infrastructure projects to ease the burden on daily travelers. Many believe that better coordination between civic agencies, transport departments, and educational institutions could help reduce congestion during peak hours.
As Kerala enters a new academic year, urban commuters are likely to continue facing traffic challenges until long-term mobility and infrastructure solutions are implemented.
