Work on improving the busy Plamoodu Junction as part of the comprehensive Traffic Engineering Development Plan of the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) has run into rough weather.
The work had been stalled after a section of traders in the locality opposed the width of the median, reducing of the footpath and relocation of the bus stop from the junction.
Traders' concerns
The traders are of the view that junction improvement will adversely affect their business as parking will not be allowed on the stretch once the new traffic arrangements come into effect.
A meeting convened in the presence of legislators and KSTP officials decided to go ahead with the original design prepared by Road Safety Engineer Jacob George and not to reduce the width of the median.
However, the work again came to a standstill after the people of the locality objected to the construction activities taken up during the night on account of the heavy traffic along the national highway stretch.
Firm on plan
Any change in the approved design for the new traffic arrangements will not yield the desired result, Principal Secretary, Public Works, Tom Jose said. The arrangements had been mooted in view of the increasing number of road accidents there.
“There is no justification in the demand to change the design to suit the needs of some people,” he said in a statement.
The bus stop was being relocated as it was causing traffic congestion.
Mr. Tom Jose said the junction improvement work was being taken up without causing any problem to the local people.
The KSTP officials are in a fix on how to carry forward the work that aims at gradual introduction of the best practices followed in highly motorised countries.
World Bank road safety specialist Stein Lundebye, who visited the spot, had said that the bus stops there should be relocated 50 metres away to reduce accidents.
He said that the chances of accidents were high at the junction if the bus stops were retained at the present location.
The PWD Principal Secretary appealed to all concerned to support the junction improvement being taken up to ensure the safety of road users.
