Traffic congestion on the Kannur-Kozhikode National Highway has worsened amid prolonged delays in the widening works on the Vengalam-Azhiyur stretch. Many motorists are now opting for alternative rural routes via Perambra and Kuttiyadi to avoid traffic snarls during peak hours.

With the summer downpour, the pace of road work on the 48-km stretch has been badly hit again. With barely three weeks left for the onset of the southwest monsoon, the situation is likely to worsen due to the inordinate delay.

As per the first construction agreement, the road widening work on the Vengalam-Azhiyur stretch was expected to be completed by April 2024. Even a year after the deadline, the stretch, which was split into four segments for speedy execution, remains incomplete. According to Public Works department sources, the deadline has recently been extended to March 2027 following a request from the contracting company.

Construction of retaining walls and repair of damaged soil-nailing works carried out earlier for ground stabilisation remain pending at several locations. Affected residents from Azhiyur, Mukkali, Madappally, Kannukkara and Nadapuram Road have approached local administrators and people’s representatives seeking a speedy resolution.

Major works, including the proposed flyover between Vadakara bus stand and Karimbanapalam and several service and approach roads, are yet to begin. The proposed skywalk at Kunniyormala in Koyilandy also remains in limbo.

“We learn that there are plans to change the contractors in two stretches. There should be better supervision to ensure timely completion,” said Mohammed Rasheed, a resident of Kannukkara. He alleged that the contracting companies had failed to deploy adequate labour for the works.

Bus operators on the route have also staged protests against the snail-paced work, which, according to them, has increased pressure on drivers due to frequent bottlenecks. They also claimed that the poor condition of the road was affecting the mechanical fitness of inter-district buses.

“Even after the situation was reviewed by a team of experts on the District Collector’s instruction, nothing happened other than increasing the labour force in some stretches. There should be stronger and consistent monitoring mechanisms,” said a local body member from Payyoli. He warned that the present situation could eventually lead to a mass indefinite protest.

Meanwhile, sources with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said efforts were under way to reassess the pace of work ahead of the monsoon season. They added that stringent action, including termination of subcontracts, would be recommended in cases of grave negligence.