Despite some teething hurdles, the City police are optimistic that the new traffic arrangements in Poojappura and nearby areas will go a long way in reducing congestion in the region.
The regulations during peak hours that came into effect on Wednesday at Poojappura, Jagathy, Melarannoor, and nearby areas led to long queues on various stretches with many motorists yet to get themselves accustomed to the changes.
No right turn
Among the main restrictions, motorists are no longer permitted to turn right from Jagathy towards Melarannoor from 8.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Instead, they have to take a roundabout at Poojappura Junction and take a free left towards Melarannoor.
“The regulation has compounded the traffic congestion between Poojappura Junction and the Jagathy bridge. This is partly due to the presence of several vehicles that were headed for Melarannoor. Going by the early signs, the authorities will be forced to evolve an alternative arrangement to decongest the area,” says Gopakumar, who frequents the stretch.
However, the City traffic police are confident that the snarls are bound to ease within a few days. “Compared to what was witnessed a day ago, the traffic along the Poojappura-Pangode stretch, passing by the Poojappura police station, remained smooth on Thursday.
Moreover, greater utilisation of byroads will bring down vehicular flow along the main roads,” says K. Pradeep, Circle Inspector, Traffic (North).
Modifications
Similarly, motorists will be encouraged to make greater use of the Karamana-Kannettumukku-Jagathy route. KELTRON has been asked to adjust the timings of the traffic signal at Jagathy. Modifications will be effected after the changing pattern of vehicular flow is observed for a few days.
The City traffic police have sought the services of 10 personnel from the Armed Reserve camp to aid manual regulation of traffic. The police claimed that feedback from the public was mostly positive with many supporting efforts to address the long-standing problem of chock-a-block traffic in the region.
The feasibility of restricting parking on these stretches to to bring down vehicle density is also under consideration.
