KOCHI: The traffic police on Tuesday introduced fresh regulations on the busy Aluva-Edappally stretch to ensure free movement of vehicles during peak hours.
The move comes in the wake of frequent traffic snarl-ups in the area following the onset of monsoon. With the introduction of new rules, heavy vehicles, including container trucks, are being diverted through the outer roads of the city as they are the prime culprits behind the traffic bottlenecks on the stretch.
A J George, Assistant Commissioner, Traffic East, said heavy vehicles proceeding to Aluva side have been diverted towards the Edappally railway overbridge. After reaching Cheranelloor Junction, the lorries should take a right turn towards Kalamassery via Container Road. These vehicles should enter the national highway stretch only from Kalamassery, he said.
“Traffic regulation for the heavy vehicles is enforced from 7 am to 9 pm. These vehicles can enter city roads only during night when the traffic congestion eases,” he said.
U-turns closed
The police have closed U-turns at various points between Aluva and Edappally. This includes the U-turn at Edappally Toll which will remain closed during the day. Now, the vehicles will have to take U-turn from Edappally Junction for proceeding towards Aluva.
The police officers at the Edappally traffic station said the curbs on taking U-turn have reduced the traffic block at Edappally to a certain extent.
“We are planning to close the U-turn at Edappally Toll permanently. A decision in this regard will be taken after getting the consent of the higher authorities. The current traffic regulations are to avoid traffic issues only during the rainy season. The decision to continue with the traffic regulations will be taken later,” said a police officer.
In Aluva
To ensure free movement of vehicles, traffic regulations have been introduced in Aluva town following the directive of the Traffic Regulatory Committee. At present, KSRTC buses are restricted from circumnavigating the town. The Traffic Regulatory Committee has issued a directive to stop KSRTC buses from taking right turn from the Aluva bus stand for proceeding towards Perumbavoor.