THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Venjarammoodu junction is all set to witness a huge change. If all goes well, the authorities have made solid plans to ease traffic problems at the junction. According to authorities, the junction will be redesigned with footpaths for pedestrians, medians, and signal systems based on a detailed study by experts in association with the World Bank. As per plans, the redesigning of the junction will be undertaken at the earliest. The assurance from the chief engineer (projects), Kerala Transport project comes in the wake of an interference from the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on a complaint lodged by Thembamoodu Sahadevan, convenor, Human Rights protection forum.
Sahadevan pointed out in his complaint that the traffic signal which was installed in the Venjarammoodu town after spending Rs 11.56 lakh is yet to become operational. “ This is a serious issue since the number of accidents at this junction is on the rise. Without any doubt, it could have been brought down by installing the traffic lights, which the KSTP officials failed to implement. Several complaints were made before the authorities in this regard. It was after several agitations, that Rs 11,56,549 were allotted and in May 31, 2012 ,traffic lights were installed. However, its guarantee period expired on May 31, 2015,” Sahadevan pointed out in the complaint.
He also stated in his complaint that the issue was pointed out to the KSTP chief engineer’s office.
According to him,it has been one year since the superintending officer of the KSTP assured in writing that suggestions were given to the Kottarakara division of the KSTP to mark the line for installing the traffic signal system. The official also said a discussion with the Venjarammoodu- Police sub Inspector was also held to decide on the re-scheduling of the time of the traffic signal system at the Venjarammoodu junction. “ However, the KSTP is yet to translate its words to deeds,” Sahadevan mentioned in his complaint.
The failure to reinstall the lights have resulted in huge traffic snarls and accidents have become a recurring phenomenon.
“ The traffic lights installed in Karete, Aayoor installed at the same time as in Venjaramoodu was fully operational,” he observed in his complaint. It was on this complaint that the State Human Rights Commission intervened.