Mon Dec 15 19:59:42 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article rewrite based on the provided text:

Summary:

A water pipeline in Kochi, India, burst again on Monday, just days after repairs were completed on a previous burst in the same area. Residents are protesting, citing water scarcity and blaming construction by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The District Collector has called a meeting to address the issue. Repairs are expected to be completed Tuesday, but full water service restoration to affected areas like Cheranalloor and parts of Palarivattam, Kaloor, and Thammanam, won’t be until Thursday. KMRL has agreed to suspend piling work and provide water tankers.

News Article:

Kochi Residents Protest as Water Pipeline Bursts Again, Blame Metro Construction

KOCHI, INDIA – December 16, 2025 – Residents of Kochi are facing renewed water scarcity after a water pipeline burst Monday in Kaloor, just meters away from where a similar incident occurred last Friday. The latest rupture, occurring shortly after repairs from the previous break were completed, has sparked protests, with residents blaming construction activities by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).

The burst pipeline flooded the area between Kaloor and Palarivattom, causing significant traffic disruption. Angered by days of water shortages, residents blocked the road, demanding a halt to KMRL’s piling works.

District Collector G. Priyanka visited the site and has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday morning, bringing together representatives from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), KMRL, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), and local leaders.

The KWA anticipates completing repairs by Tuesday evening, but warns that full restoration of water supply to areas including Cheranalloor, and sections of Palarivattom, Kaloor, and Thammanam, may not occur until Thursday.

“We understand the frustration of the residents,” said a KMRL spokesperson. “We will suspend piling operations in the area until the repair work is finished. We will also deploy water tankers to provide immediate relief to those affected.”

Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas visited the site late Monday evening to assess the situation.

The previous pipeline burst, which occurred near a metro pillar, had already disrupted water supply to a wide area, including Palarivattom, Kaloor, Edappally, Ponekkara, and parts of Cheranalloor and Thammanam.

The KWA has stated that, despite the ongoing spill, pumping will continue to minimize the impact on residents already experiencing water scarcity. Arrangements are in place to pump the spilled water from the roadway.

Read More