KOCHI: Apprehensions over Edappally toll junction losing its status as a junction is over with the district administration deciding to remove the barricade erected there.
The barricade had been erected at the junction on an experimental basis. The decision to put up the barricade was taken at a joint meeting convened by the District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla at the Civil Station a few weeks ago. The meeting was held to find a lasting solution to the traffic congestion and pedestrian issues at Edappally toll junction.
“After we removed the barricade from the junction, a lot of positive messages began pouring in. Earlier we had planned to implement the decision on an experimental basis for just two weeks. But due to the positive messages we received, we are planning to extend it for some more time,” said Collector Safirulla.
The Collector said that the decision to remove the barricade permanently will be taken after one month. “We are happy to see the positive feedbacks about the decision. But we can’t remove the barricade immediately on a permanent basis since the behaviour pattern of the vehicles need to be studied and this will take a month to complete. If the study recommends the removal of the barricade we will continue with our present decision,” added the Collector.
The police had erected the barricade at the junction after the completion of the Edappally Over Bridge. But this move attracted a huge public outcry after the traffic management at the Toll junction went haywire with blocks becoming a common thing.
“For past two weeks the motorists as well as the pedestrians are in cloud nine. It was a herculean task for us to cross the road before they removed the barricade. If the district administration decides to remove it permanently it will be a welcome move,” said Gopi, a resident of Pookattupady.
Meanwhile, the district administration is also planning to erect a pedestrian crossing signal at the toll junction. “We are in the process of making the road more pedestrian friendly by removing unauthorised auto stands. We are also planning to shift the bus stop in front of Edappally Church after the drainage is constructed,” the Collector added.