Demolition of second side-bay of North overbridge begins

Light vehicles diverted along alternative routes

WORK CONTINUES: The demolition of the side-bay on the northern side of t he North overbridge began on Thursday. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

Two-wheelers and autorickshaws stayed away from the North overbridge as the demolition of the side-bay on the northern side of the bridge began on Thursday.

The Traffic Police diverted two-wheelers and autorickshaws along three alternative routes that go out of the city. Movement of cars and service buses were not affected by the diversion.

The side-bay on the southern side has been removed completely and piling works are on for the new segment of the bridge on that side. The North overbridge is being brought down and renovated in connection with the Kochi metro rail project.

“Before effecting the diversion, we had ensured that all roads along which the traffic would be diverted were tarred. Enough personnel have also been posted at main points to divert traffic without causing traffic snarls,” said M.R. Ajith Kumar, City Police Commissioner.

As many has 160 personnel, including 40 men from traffic wings, 60 from Armed Reserve camps and 40 traffic wardens, were posted for diversion along with 20-odd officers. On Thursday, an additional 50 men were deployed along with the regular volume to streamline the traffic.

“The traffic flow has been steady so far, except at Paramara Junction. This is because the traffic heading towards the North railway station, which usually takes the underpass, had to cross the main traffic. This has led to some queuing up, but it was cleared quickly,” said Mr. Ajith Kumar.

Similarly, there was an unexpected increase in the flow of traffic in the stretch from Kacheripady to Paramara Junction. “This was not exactly because of the diversion. The situation is being studied properly and alternative routes need to be spotted to divert the traffic during peak hours, if necessary,” he said.

A press release issued by the City Police on Wednesday suggested that buses and cars going to Kalamassery and Aluva from the city could take the Vallarpadam container terminal road. “This was to make people aware about alternative routes and thus make optimum use of roads, especially ring roads,” said the Commissioner.