Wed Jun 25 14:27:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A high-level team in Thrissur, Kerala, led by the District Collector, inspected the congested National Highway 544 between Mannuthy and Edappally. The inspection revealed significant shortcomings by the NHAI in managing traffic flow during subway construction. The NHAI was instructed to improve service roads, ensure road safety measures, and share contact information for better communication. A critical report has been submitted to the High Court citing poor planning and slow progress by NHAI. Frustrated residents voiced their concerns to officials, demanding quicker solutions.

**News Article:**

**Thrissur Traffic Nightmare: Officials Scold NHAI Over Highway Bottlenecks**

**Thrissur, Kerala – June 25, 2025** – Commuters continue to face severe traffic congestion on National Highway 544 between Mannuthy and Edappally due to ongoing subway construction, prompting a high-level inspection led by Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian. The inspection team, which included Member of Parliament Benny Behanan, MLA Saneesh Kumar Joseph, and other officials, identified significant lapses by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in managing traffic flow through service roads.

“The NHAI has failed to provide adequate alternative routes, exacerbating the already difficult situation for commuters,” stated Collector Pandian, who has already reported the issues to the State government and the High Court.

Officials have directed the NHAI to immediately improve and maintain the service roads, promising prompt action with DBM tarring after WMM layering. The police and Motor Vehicles Department have been tasked with installing safety measures like blinkers and reflectors. The police have also deployed personnel and volunteers at critical points. Regular weekly reviews of the construction progress have been scheduled.

The District Collector has submitted a critical report to the High Court, citing poor planning and slow progress by the NHAI, which awarded multiple underpasses to a single contractor. The report further states that underpasses construction was started without proper assessment of traffic volume and alternative arrangements.

Despite the earlier suspension of toll collection followed by a resumption after government assurances, commuters have seen little improvement. Frustration boiled over during Tuesday’s inspection, with residents directly confronting officials and demanding faster solutions.

“We are fed up with the delays and the lack of accountability,” said one resident at the scene. “We need real action, not just promises.”

Another review visit is planned in a week, including officials from the police and transport departments. The NHAI has been ordered to provide contact information for field-level contractors to local representatives for effective real-time communication. The construction of the Muringoor service road is expected to accelerate once the rains abate.

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