KOCHI: With heavy traffic choking roads near Infopark, the IT hub of the state, the park authorities have approached the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) to upgrade and streamline traffic infrastructure in Kakkanad.
Infopark authorities’ move was prompted by a report indicating that traffic congestion in Kakkanad area will worsen in the coming years owing to the expansion of several tech firms.
“Infopark’s own properties are almost operating at full capacity. The Lulu Tower and other towers in Infopark are fully occupied. Smart City buildings are also almost full. Driven by the surge, the total number of employees working at Infopark is likely to go up to 80,000 from 70,000 at present. It will seriously affect traffic movement in the area. If we continue like this without a proper plan, Kakkanad will choke with traffic. To avoid this, Infopark decided to approach NATPAC to prepare a traffic management study,” said a source associated with Infopark.
Traffic congestion along the Civil Station Junction- Infopark Road stretch has worsened after several companies resumed offline operations, as there is an increase in the number of commuters. The narrow road and rising traffic have forced IT professionals and residents to spend hours covering the stretch from Civil Station Junction to Kakkanad during peak hours.
Through NATPAC’s study, Infopark plans to identify traffic issues and find lasting solutions. “At present, Civil Lane Road and Expressway Road from Seaport-Airport Road provide access to the IT hub from the city. These roads will not be sufficient to accommodate traffic for another five years. It requires a proper study to plan traffic management. Their suggestions and proposals will help solve the issues. For that, we have approached NATPAC,” the source said.
Infopark will submit the project report to the state government for upgrading infrastructure facilities. “To make a decision, the government needs a proper report. We will submit the report to the government to take further action to decongest Infopark and upgrade traffic infrastructure,” added the source.
Meanwhile, NATPAC officials said the study would be conducted based on the Kochi Metro, which will extend its network to Infopark in a couple of years. “We have already collected data on traffic in the area. The proposal will include the areas to be developed, widening at various places, revamp of traffic junctions, and also finding alternative diversion routes to reduce the flow of vehicles through the two roads. The study will also take into account the upcoming Kochi Metro extension to the area,” said the NATPAC official.