Thirteen new traffic signals are coming up in connection with the ongoing modernisation of roads under the Kozhikode City Road Improvement Project.
Around 70% of the road works have been completed so far. The Vadakara-based Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), which won the contract, is executing the project after forming a consortium and raising ₹200 crore from 32 small cooperative societies.
The new traffic signals are being installed at Puthiyara, Kalluthankkadavu, Karaparamba, Kovoor, Poolakadavu, Chevarambalam, Mankavu Junction, and Wayand-Kannur road intersection near Malabar Christian College.
The police say the installation of signals will streamline the flow of traffic on Stadium Junction-Puthiyara Junction Road, Karaparamba-Kalluthankkadavu Road, Vellimadukunnu-Kovoor Road, Gandhi Road-Mini Bypass-Mavoor Junction Road, Panathuthazham-CWRDM Road, and Pushpa Junction-Mankavu Junction Road.
However, the traffic department has requested the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) that is monitoring the construction activities to install modern traffic signals with cameras similar to the system in Thiruvananthapuram.
“The conventional traffic signal based on fixed time concept is a huge drawback given the increase in vehicular population,” they said.
Even the second generation that operates via a remote-controlled system now appears to be obsolete. “So we have proposed the installation of signals with camera that can be managed from the control room. The modern signals will not only decongest roads to a certain extent, but also enable the traffic police to concentrate more on enforcement. One advantage is that all traffic signals will be linked,” said T.P. Sreejith, Circle Inspector (Traffic).
The District Collector has been urged to summon a meeting of officials of the Motor Vehicles Department and the traffic police. Similarly the police have sought the replacement of traffic signals at Vengeri, Malaparamba, Eranhipalam, Thondayad, Rajaji Road, Pushpa Junction and CH Flyover Junction.
