Traffic came to a standstill along the Palarivattom-Kalamassery stretch for over four hours on Sunday.
According to police, traffic blocks are a usual feature on this stretch, especially during peak hours in morning and evening. But the situation has worsened, with a new shopping mall opening in Edappally on Sunday. The block started at 6 pm and normal traffic was restored only after 9 pm.
“I had get down at Mamangalam from the bus and walk to Edappally due to the block,” said Edappally resident Mukesh.
People who were affected by the block said that service roads and even footpaths were congested. Confusion prevailed in narrow by-lanes while two-wheelers seen on footpaths, they said.
The incident was caused by a lack of planning, locals said, adding that traffic blocks could become a daily feature here as the road cannot accommodate more vehicles. However police said that people going to the Aluva Manappuram to perform Bali Tharppanam led to an increase in the number of vehicles.