KOCHI: One of the busiest junctions in Kochi, Kaloor has become a nightmare for pedestrians and commuters because of the apathy of the police in reining in private buses. Many buses stay for too long at the bus stop, compounding the traffic woes by blocking the stretch.
The main reason for traffic block, especially during peak hours, is the apathy of the police in appointing an officer to ensure the buses leave the stop soon after the passengers have boarded. Adding to the stress of the commuters is the reckless driving of private bus drivers, turning the road into a race track. However, the rules are just on paper.
There are not even proper markings on the road to help pedestrians. To cross the road or drive through Kaloor, pedestrians and commuters are on a wing and a prayer. After all, the private bus operators' lobby is too ‘powerful’ and ‘influential’. Because of the Kochi Metro Rail construction, buses do not enter Kaloor bus stand. Only long-distance buses now operate from the stand.
Once the Metro station is opened, access will be provided from the station to the stand. However, pedestrian woes will come to an end only if a proper system is maintained for the entry and exit of buses. Express lensman Albin Mathew turns his cam to capture the hustle and bustle of the Kaloor bottleneck.
Sheeba V P, Pattimattom
Commuters are finding it really difficult to cross the roads. Just take the case of buses coming from Aluva. Soon after the signal turns green, buses come rushing to the stop one after the other. They halt for too long resulting in traffic congestion.
Sachin Mathew, Ponekkara
There is no systematic arrangement at Kaloor Junction. Vehicles coming from Ponekkara and going towards M G Road will only get a short time gap to deviate to the right. Often, they get stuck in the middle of the road because private buses from Aluva will be parked at the bus stop, occupying half of the stretch, blocking other vehicles.
Tom Joseph, Paravur
There is not even a zebra crossing at Kaloor even though it is a very crowded junction. The congestion is because of the private buses halting for a long stretch of time at the stop. This makes it really difficult for the commuters.
Amal T K, Traffic Police officer
Sometimes, the signal does not work and leads to long queues of vehicles. Most of the drivers do not follow the rules. They fail to maintain discipline at the signal often blocking the free left.