Although the commuters in the city had to bear the brunt of private transport bus strike, they had some relief from the traffic blocks on Monday.
Much to the surprise of the motorists, the old main bridge and new side bays of the North Railway Overbridge were opened for the two and three-wheeler vehicles which saw drastic decrease of traffic blocks in Palarivattom and Kaloor.
The main bridge, which was closed for reconstruction, will be opened for the two and three-wheeler vehicles till January 10. This was done to reduce the traffic in the wake of Prime Minister’s visit.
There was minimal traffic block on Banerjee Road which otherwise sees high traffic on normal days.
Police personnel from Armed Reserve Camp and other districts were deployed across the city to man the traffic. “We had asked Kochi Metro Railway Ltd to start the dismantling works only after January 10. About 3000 delegates along with over 30 ministers are participating in the various functions being held in Kochi this week,” said Baby Vinod, Assistant Commissioner, Traffic Police.