Expert Committee's Rs. 10 Crore Rectification Plan for Sahodharan Ayyapan Road Gains Judicial Backing; State Government Urged to Provide Financial Assistance
In a significant move addressing public safety and infrastructure concerns, the Kerala High Court (Division Bench) on July 9, 2026, issued directions for the urgent repair of undulated and damaged roads along the Kochi Metro Rail corridor, with particular emphasis on the Sahodharan Ayyapan Road (S.A. Road). The order came on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Pauly Vadakkan highlighting the deteriorated road conditions adversely affecting traffic safety and commuters' riding experience.
The Court took note of the detailed Expert Committee report dated June 12, 2026, and the subsequent report by the Superintending Engineer of the Kochi Municipal Corporation dated July 8, 2026. The Expert Committee's physical site inspection revealed significant undulations and settlements on the 3.10 km stretch of S.A. Road, with level differences reaching up to 300 mm in certain locations. Such unevenness was found to compromise both traffic safety and the comfort of commuters using this major arterial road.
To address these issues, the Expert Committee prepared a comprehensive repair estimate amounting to Rs. 10 Crore. The proposed rectification plan involves scarifying the existing bituminous surface on both sides of the median over a 4-meter width at affected locations, correcting level differences using Water Bound Macadam (WMM), and relaying Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and Bituminous Concrete (BC) layers. For enhanced safety and visibility, the plan also includes the application of thermoplastic road markings and installation of reflective road studs.
Given the financial constraints faced by the Kochi Municipal Corporation, the Committee recommended that the State Government provide financial assistance to facilitate the implementation of these rectification works. The Court emphasized the regional significance of S.A. Road, which not only serves local commuters but also carries traffic from outside the Corporation limits, thus necessitating urgent remedial action.
In its order, the Court directed the Secretary of the Corporation of Kochi to file an affidavit disclosing the Expert Committee report along with all related communications, including correspondence with the Public Works Department regarding preparation of estimates for other affected stretches under their jurisdiction. The affidavit was to be filed within the week, with prior service to the parties involved.
Furthermore, the learned Senior Government Pleader was requested to obtain instructions from the State Government concerning financial assistance for the project. A response affidavit from the State Government is to be submitted by the next hearing date scheduled for July 17, 2026.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's proactive stance in ensuring infrastructural integrity and public safety by holding municipal bodies and the State Government accountable for timely maintenance and repair of critical urban roads affected by large-scale infrastructure projects like the Kochi Metro.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation - Rectification of undulated and damaged roads along the Kochi Metro Rail corridor, particularly Sahodharan Ayyapan Road (S.A. Road), requiring urgent intervention due to regional significance and public safety concerns.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation.
Pauly Vadakkan v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2971959
