One of the most significant observations in the report on the traffic situation in the city is perhaps the absence of foot-overbridges or subways.
While one subway is being constructed at Nemom, another was announced near the Medical College, which still remains on paper. DCP (Law and Order) K. Sanjay Kumar Gurudin’s report, based on surveys by policemen on real time traffic, states that one of the main reasons for traffic congestion in the city is the lack of subways and foot-overbridges, especially in front of educational institutions and areas where pedestrian movement is high.
“If such facilities are provided time spared in traffic signal system for pedestrian crossing can be utilised for movement of vehicles,” he says.
Key spots
The police have identified a few places for the installation of these facilities. These are the Medical College Junction; St. Mary’s School, Pattom; Cotton Hill School Junction; East Fort, where on an average, 119 people cross the road every minute; Kareem’s Junction, Chala, which has an average of 95 people crossing the road every minute; andthe Thampanoor KSRTC terminal.
The KSRTC terminal does not have even road markings.
The DCP has called for action on the part the PWD, NH Division and the Road Fund Board in this regard. The report also calls for installation of footpath railings, particularly in the south division. This has also led to obstructive parking and footpath parking, Mr. Gurudin points out. The Vellayambalam-Sasthamangalam stretch, Killippalam-Karamana area and Thampanoor-East Fort regions have been suggested to have such facilities.
The report also calls for separation of private bus and KSRTC bus stops at East Fort. Recalling the TRIDA proposal for a terminal at East Fort (Attakulangara School), the DCP has suggested that NATPAC and TRIDA be addressed to submit a feasibility report after locating a place for a private bus terminal.
