The long-standing demand to direct buses headed from Kacheripady to Kaloor through Banerji Road is not likely to become a reality any time soon.
The traffic wing of the Kochi City police has now approached the Ernakulam Regional Transport Authority, seeking to continue with the diversion of buses from Kacherippady Junction till the construction of bus bays at the location. Nazeer M.A., Assistant Commissioner, Traffic West, has submitted a report to this effect to District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla, who is the chairman of the Ernakulam Regional Transport Authority.
“As many as 1,468 services are being operated through the stretch between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. when the traffic restriction is in place. Similarly, an average of four buses pass through the point every minute, which makes it impossible to invalidate the existing regulations,” held Mr.Nazeer. According to him, the back-to-back stoppage of four buses at Kacheripady Junction would lead to gridlocks along M.G. Road and Chittoor Road, besides logjams up to High Court Junction. “The diversion to Chittur Road provides ample space for buses to stop, board and alight passengers. The movement of buses will also add to the traffic gridlocks at Lissy Junction,” the official added.
The buses plying through the route currently pass through the crowded stretches of Chittoor Road and St. Benedict Road, often leading to traffic congestion. Besides local residents, bus operators have demanded the restoration of the original route.
The diversion of buses at the Kacheripady Junction was first implemented about 15 years ago to facilitate road widening works and construction of the Kochi metro rail.
Report sought
Recently, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, acting on a petition by the Anti-Corruption People’s Forum, sought a report on the issue from the District Collector, City Police Commissioner and RTO. In its petition, the organisation had stated that the buses should not be allowed to ply via St. Benedict Road as it resulted in traffic congestion.
Acting on the directive, the Collector and the RTO visited the spot two weeks ago and reviewed the situation.
Considering the petition, the SHRC observed that the present situation inconvenienced schoolchildren and pedestrians. The authorities concerned were urged to consider the restoration of the earlier route.
