23 roads soon to be declared one-way

KOCHI, KERALA, 15/11/2013: Heavy vehicles to and from the Ernakulam Market use the roads near Convent Junction for easy access. However, the narrow roads make traffic difficult and pedestrians are at the receiving end in Kochi on November 15, 2013. Photo: H. Vibhu

Passage through 23 roads winding through the heart of the city and connecting MG Road are proposed to be restricted to one-way traffic. The city traffic police has identified the roads after conducting a detailed study on the vehicular flow along the city roads and had submitted a proposal in this regard for approval of the Regional Transport Authority presided by the district collector. 

 “The proposal will form part of the agenda for the next meeting of the authority. A final decision will be made after seeking suggestions or objections from the public, if any, about the proposed one-way traffic,” said K.S. Baby Vinod, Assistant Commissioner, Traffic West.

Earlier, the authorities had implemented one-way traffic system on Chittoor road and TD road on a trial basis, but had to withdraw it in the face of objections from various quarters. 

The roads to be covered under the new traffic plan include Vittappa Prabhu Road, Jews Street Road, TD Sannidhi Road, Gopala Prabhu Road, Convent Road, Mullassery Canal road, Manikeri Cross Road, SRV School Road, Pulleppady Road and Veekshanam Road, among several others. 

As per the proposal, movement of vehicles through these roads, which originate either from the TD road or the Chittoor Road, on both directions will be regulated to ensure a smooth traffic along MG Road.

“This is being done as works on the metro rail works have reduced width of the carriageways on both sides of the stretch considerably,” officials explained. 

For instance, entry to the MG Road will remain banned from Gopala Prabhu or Convent roads while traffic on the opposite direction will be banned from roads like Jews Street or Veekshanam Road, they added. 

Upon receiving a nod from the RTA, the authorities will be erecting signboards on these roads - owned by both the Public Works Department and Kochi Corporation. The step is being initiated in the wake of a recent high court order directing the authorities to implement a detailed traffic management plan and the recurring traffic hold-ups along the metro rail alignment.