KOCHI: The traffic signal system at Vyttila junction, which was revised in July with the aim of facilitating seamless vehicle movement, was restored on Monday, following frequent demands from motorists and local residents.
As part of the amendment, the authorities had removed the signal lights and rerouted the traffic to reduce congestion at Vyttila, which is considered as the busiest junction in the state.
Traffic East Police Assistant Commissioner A J George informed that the signal system at Vyttila was restored to the original mode.
“Ever since the signal system was revised four months ago, local residents and traders had been opposing it. They alleged that the rerouting of traffic did not help in easing congestion in the area. Considering public demand, we have decided to restore the old system,” he said.
P T Thomas MLA said that a directive was issued to restore the signal system, following the tragic accident in which a woman lost her life on Sunday. “After the incident, the demand for abolition of the U-turn system got louder. Though the revised system had helped reduce traffic blocks, there was a spurt in accidents as pedestrian crossing had become a risky affair,” he said.
Thomas said a meeting would be called to discuss implementing an effective traffic system at the junction. According to him, there is enough space at Vyttila to build a roundabout, which could solve the issue.
“Instead of tweaking with the existing system, we should find a permanent solution. A meeting will be called to elicit opinion of both the public and the authorities concerned,” he said.
The NHAI has sent a proposal to the Central Government for construction of a flyover at the junction.
The Ernakulam District Resident’s Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) has been at the forefront of the protests against the U-turn system at Vyttila. EDRAAC members said the U-turn system was a problem, rather than a solution, and suggested construction of fly-over as the permanent solution. It was also alleged that the 15 seconds allotted for pedestrians to cross the two-lane road was insufficient.
“Currently, we have a four-sided signal system. For Vyttila junction, however, we need a separate signal to regulate traffic movement to and from the Mobility Hub,” he said.