The diversions intended to ease the traffic when Kochi Metro rail construction work commences on June 7, is not being carried out properly if the traffic diversion on Monday was any indication.
Though the Changampuzha Samadhi Road leading to Aluva had been declared one-way, it is yet to be made so. The two-way traffic has been allowed on the narrow road. “If the one-way traffic system was implemented, less congestion would be witnessed,” said Kunhappan, a resident of Ponekkara. The numerous twists and turns along the road makes the journey risky.
Though parking has been banned from Edappally High School Junction to Ponekkara road, Changampuzha Park and Changampuzha Samadhi Road, vehicles are being parked on both sides of the road. The Elamakkara-Ponekkara road is narrow and the deviation of vehicles is creating difficulties.
The traffic block in the area especially during peak hours is a problem.
“There should be strict regulations regarding parking and traffic regulation is least systematic here,” said Shantha Kumar, a lottery vendor. The absence of footpaths and the uncovered drainage also are a threat to pedestrians. There were many incidents in which the heavy vehicles had broken the electric lines hanging on to the road.
“It leads to altercations when people from outside commute to the area and we find it difficult to make them understand the situation,” said Albin George, an autorickshaw driver. Mechanics who repair the vehicles on the roadside too add to the problem and police intervention is often sought.
Though the Kochi Corporation had ordered the eviction of some vegetable vendors in the area, no provision has been made to rehabilitate them.” The situation is likely to worsen once the schools reopen,” said Saji George, another autorickshaw driver.