With the southwest monsoon and the new academic year approaching, commuting through Kozhikode city has become increasingly difficult owing to poorly managed roadworks, broken signals, and rampant parking violations.

An official attached to the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) attributed part of the problem to the ongoing construction at Malaparamba Junction and adjoining arterial roads. The area has witnessed work related to National Highways 66 and 766 and is also part of the Malaparamba-Mananchira road project, envisioned as a long-term solution to traffic issues.

The junctions at Mavoor Road, Eranhipalam, Thondayad, the Karikkamkulam-Karaparamba stretch, and the Ramanattukara service road often witness traffic snarls even during non-peak hours. Mankavu Bypass, Palayam Junction, Meenchanda Bypass, and Pottammal are other problematic areas. “The road from Chevarambalam to Malaparamba is barely wide enough, yet it has to accommodate vehicles moving in both directions,” said Maria Thomas, a motorist.

The new highway work has disrupted direct traffic flow between Malaparamba and Thondayad, forcing motorists to take longer detours. “An underpass would have made things much easier for motorists,” said the MVD official.

At Thondayad Junction, increased commercial activity has worsened congestion. A traffic police officer said, “Vehicles entering and exiting commercial buildings frequently disrupt traffic.” However, temporary signs indicating diversions have been installed at all relevant locations, with permanent signs to be put up after the construction work is completed.

He said the Malaparamba-Mananchira road is expected to ease traffic congestion on Mavoor Road, YMCA Cross Road, Christian College Road, Rajendra Hospital Cross Road, Nadakkavu-Vandipetta Road, C.H. Flyover-Beach Road, Palayam Road, and Railway Station Road. However, a trial run conducted last week failed. Concerns have also been raised that the width of the central divider could limit the effectiveness of the road widening project.

P. Aneesha, a regular commuter along the Meenchanda Bypass, said the lack of traffic signals was a major reason for congestion on the roads. “Motorists often take turns without using indicators,” she said, adding that poor adherence to traffic rules contributes to frequent traffic snarls and accidents.

During holidays and weekends, heavy inflow of visitors unfamiliar with the routes often worsens traffic congestion. “Many motorists avoid taking the overbridge when they should and instead use the road below, adding to the congestion there,” said Pradeep Balakrishnan, another commuter, referring to the traffic snarls at Arayidathupalam Junction.