KOCHI: Compared to any other roads in city Manappattiparambu which links Sastha Temple and Banerji roads to Lisie Junction is blessed with width. But illegal parking on this stretch has turned the road into a death trap for pedestrians.
As always it is the school, tourist and private buses which create the space crunch, despite there being ample parking facility available on the stretch.
According to local people, illegal parking has led to many accidents from which the victims have escaped with minor injuries all due to the benevolence of lady luck.
Manappattiparambu Road, leading away from the signal at Lisie junction has become a favourite route for those going to Edapally so as to escape the traffic blocks caused as a result of the ongoing Metro work. This has led to an increase in the number of vehicles waiting to cross the junction as result tempers and tensions run riot here.
“With both side of the road occupied due to illegal parking, many are forced to walk along the centre of the road. There is no other option available for pedestrians except to walk on the road,” said a local.
Even GCDA, who owns the road, has failed to initiate a solution. They too passed the buck to the police. But the police version is that they lack sufficient staff to conduct the drive.