KOCHI: Heavy traffic congestion, which was once a major hurdle for the commuters, is back again at Vyttila junction, after the authorities restored the traffic signal system.
Traffic lights were kept switched off for nearly two months to ensure free flow of vehicles from the Aroor and Edappally sides.
“The signal system was revised for two reasons - to curb accidents at the Vyttila junction and to decongest the main road (NH),” said Edappally CI (Traffic) Bijoy Chandran.
According to the police, they were forced to restore the signal system the other day, because of a spurt in accidents. There were mounting public protests and a strong demand to restore the old system.
However, there was difference of opinion among the authorities. The majority of the town planners suggested that the system of entering and exiting the Vyttila Mobility Hub be changed. It was also suggested that the Ponnurunni underpass be used for movement of heavy vehicles from S A Road to Vyttila, in order to ease traffic. “There is an urgent need for ‘pedestrian-crossing marking’ at the junction,” they pointed out.
“In the absence of a scientific signal system, it is very difficult to cross the road. To cross the road, one has to wait until the road is free of vehicles, which is very rare on the busy NH,” said Vinod, a local resident.
“An ordinary signal system is good for Vyttila, or else, it would create confusion among motorists who are not familiar with the route,” said Shivanandam, an auto driver.
When the signal was shut down, accidents occurred frequently, mainly due to the U-turn at Kannadikadu. Meanwhile, the town planners are pinning hope on the junction development proposal mooted by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the proposed flyover, as a permanent solution to the traffic woes at Vyttila.