Chronic congestion on the Papinissheri–Valapattanam stretch of National Highway 66 in Kannur is hindering daily travel and threatening earlier repair gains. Authorities carried out phased improvements earlier this year, but road damage, persistent bottlenecks and the absence of permanent traffic controls have returned the corridor to a precarious state.
Addressing Papinissheri Valapattanam traffic
Commuters report long delays at several points along the route, especially where the highway narrows near the Chunkam Muthappan temple. Buses that once used wider approaches are forced to weave through constrained lanes, while vehicles from both directions converge at critical junctions such as Cotton’s Road and the KSTP road, creating gridlock.
Local residents say the most damaged stretch runs from Papinissheri to Puthiyatheru, where a patched and uneven surface has made travel slow and unsafe. Lack of visible police presence or traffic signalling on this section compounds the problem; witnesses describe buses and other vehicles stopping on both sides of the carriageway, blocking movement and increasing the risk of accidents.
In February, under the leadership of MLA K.V. Sumesh, district motor vehicle units and Valapattanam police implemented a package of measures to improve traffic flow. The first phase won broad approval and similar actions were taken on adjacent roads, briefly easing travel. However, the improvements were not sustained and residents say the earlier benefits have largely disappeared.
Authorities have since issued instructions to investigate the feasibility of a permanent traffic circle at the old Angady entry — the turning point where NH66 traffic diverts towards the older Angady road — and to consider creating an alternative bridge across the Valapattanam river to reduce pressure on the Palathin entry. These proposals aim to redirect through-traffic away from narrow town sections and restore reliable bus access to Kannur and Thalassery bus stations.
Transport experts and community leaders argue the problem cannot be solved by spot repairs alone. They call for a comprehensive traffic reorganisation plan that combines road widening where feasible, durable resurfacing, formal traffic control (signals and roundabouts) and regular maintenance. Such a plan should anticipate rising vehicle numbers, improve pedestrian and public-transport facilities and phase works to minimise disruption.
Residents stress the need for long-term commitment from road authorities and municipal bodies. Temporary fixes won’t prevent renewed deterioration once heavy traffic resumes; instead, coordinated investment and clearer accountability are required. Proposals include installing a traffic circle on the old Angady approach, constructing a new bridge to provide a viable alternative to the Palathin crossing and formalising bus routes to keep large vehicles clear of the narrow town centre.
Until a sustained approach is adopted, commuters will continue to face delays, and earlier improvements risk being wasted. Citizens expect prompt action and a visible timetable from state and local agencies so that the Papinissheri–Valapattanam corridor can provide safe, reliable travel for residents and preserve the value of earlier investments.
Key Takeaways:
- Persistent congestion on the Papinissheri Valapattanam traffic corridor in Kannur is disrupting journeys and causing public frustration.
- Previous repair efforts led by MLA K.V. Sumesh and local authorities delivered short-term relief but gains have since eroded.
- Key bottlenecks include narrow stretches near Chunkam Muthappan temple, Cotton’s Road approaches and damaged sections between Papinissheri and Puthiyatheru.
- Residents call for a permanent reorganisation: a traffic circle at the old Angady entry, an alternative bridge at Valapattanam and sustained maintenance and traffic management.
