KOCHI: Though the Kochi Corporation claims that the pre-monsoon cleaning of canals and drains were effectively carried out in the city, waterlogging is still a common site in many areas. The latest complaint against the civic body in this regard was raised by the Southern Railway.Due to waterlogging the Railway signal system was disrupted thrice during the monsoon and many trains, including the Kayamkulam-Ernakulam passenger, Jan Shatabdi Express and Howrah-Trivandrum Express, were running late by 15 to 30 minutes."If there is heavy rain, water from the drains on both sides will start flowing to the track. This includes the drain water from MG Road. During a heavy downpour the tracks of the first and second platforms as well as the main entrance of the Ernakulam Junction Railway Station are submerged in water," said Railway Ernakulam area manager George John. George said the Railways took up the issue with the Corporation authorities several times. "The Mayor has given us an assurance that the issue will be sorted out soon," George said.He also said that the area under the South Overbridge is vulnerable to waterlogging. "The railway lines can be lifted only up to a certain extent. Since these tracks are under the South Overbridge, further lifting of the lines is not possible as the height of the electric line has to be considered. So timely cleaning of canals and upgrading the drainage system are the possible solutions," he said.Meanwhile, a top Corporation official said that the civic body would soon take steps to solve the issue. "The Railways has already constructed a canal up to the Karshaka Road. The need of the hour is a connection to the main canal through Karshaka Road. But there are some issues prevailing over the cutting of road for the drain. Once we solve the issue, waterlogging can be tackled," he said.
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