: Busy pedestrian corridors in the congested and accident-prone Edapally-Aroor NH Bypass might soon get foot overbridges.
“This is crucial to prevent accidents, involving pedestrians who get caught in the continuous flow of fast-moving vehicles, especially at night. Though a decision has not been taken, foot overbridges have been envisaged at Oberon Mall, EMC, Chakkaraparambu, Chalikkavattom, Kannadikkad and Madavana, where pedestrian accidents are commonplace,” said sources associated with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Jaywalking at the four major junctions in the corridor is expected to lessen once the flyovers are ready. The NHAI failed to act despite traffic police sending letters every few months to enhance pedestrian safety on the stretch, which does not even have zebra crossings at most places.
A survey will be done to identify five pedestrian-dense corridors, in the project’s phase one.
The foot overbridge initiative is set to get impetus since a new company Kochi-Aroor Tollways Private Limited took over operation, maintenance and tolling (OMT) of the 16-km-long corridor a couple of months ago. The firm is contractually bound to maintain the stretch in safe and motorable condition for a nine-year period up to 2024 since it is collecting sizeable toll from motorists. In addition, automatic tagging will be installed at Aroor toll plaza so that motorists need not wait endlessly to pay toll.
They would be able to swipe their pre-paid card at the plaza. A toilet block and medical-aid post too have been proposed near the toll plaza, while a signal system will come up at Aroor junction.
Road repairs
The NHAI is also scheduled to resurface service roads of the NH Bypass in February-March 2016, while the Bypass carriageway would be tar topped by December 2016. “Steps would be taken shortly to remove encroachers from service roads and to repair potholes. Water logging too will be taken care of,” sources said.
