With the Vytilla Mobility Hub becoming more functional and more buses being diverted along the hub, the City Traffic Police are finding their hands full. The situation at the already busy junction has become more complicated.
“Enough policemen have been deployed to ensure free flow of traffic. What we need is improvement of infrastructure,” said K.S. Baby Vinod, Assistant Commissioner of Police, City Traffic (East).
One of the main problem areas is the point where buses exit from the Mobility Hub. The mouth of the road towards Tripunithura is just wide enough for two buses and the problem arises when buses turn towards the Vytilla junction. If the line of vehicles towards the junction is not moving due to red light, the buses often block the traffic in the other direction while trying to cross over to the first lane.
Discussions are now on to widen the exit point by exchanging land with Cochin Devaswom. According to the proposal being discussed, the devaswom will be given land near the hub for the same amount acquired for widening the exit point.
The police are trying to bring down the confusion by setting up cones to regulate movement of buses and light motor vehicles from the eastern side of the traffic lights. “We are also planning to set up synchronised traffic lights at the exit point as well as where the Thammanam road meets the National Highway towards the north of the traffic lights. Once these lights are put up, the traffic flow will be more streamlined,” said Mr. Baby Vinod.
The City Police are also finalising the procedure for setting up 15 surveillance cameras, in addition to the 15-odd already functioning in the city limits, along the National Highway. “Visuals from these cameras are of help to book offenders in junctions. They can also be put to use after the condition of roads have improved,” said V.H. Mohammed Rafique, Assistant Commissioner of Police, City Traffic (West).
The police are also switching to automatic control for traffic lights along main roads. “Lights at Madhava pharmacy, Old CPO Junction and Kadavanthara have been converted to the automatic system. This means that the officer manning the lights will be available on the streets,” said Mr. Rafique.
