Kochi Metro Phase II work: CM vows to end traffic snarls

Kochi: State govt views the distress caused to the public due to ongoing construction works of Kochi Metro Phase 2 “seriously” and was actively taking remedial measures in this regard, chief minister V D Satheesan informed state legislative assembly on Wednesday.Responding to a calling attention motion raised by Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas regarding the ongoing work on JLN-Kakkanad-Infopark corridor, CM detailed multi-agency efforts aimed at easing the commute through the city’s IT corridor.He specifically highlighted that a Rs 7.5 crore proposal submitted by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) for renovation of parallel roads, earlier not allowed by previous LDF govt, is currently under active consideration.To mitigate bottlenecks, KMRL, in coordination with city traffic police, deployed locally trained traffic wardens from 8am to 8pm at major junctions and vulnerable bottlenecks along the construction stretch.The traffic police divided Palarivattom–Kakkanad stretch into three distinct sectors to intensify mobile and bike patrolling. Additional police personnel were deployed near educational institutions and busy junctions.

To divert traffic from the choked arterial road, the authorities put up signboards pointing to alternate routes, details of which were publicised through the media.Addressing specific pain points where barricades drastically reduced road width, CM stated that KMRL has realigned and pushed back barricades inwards at crucial intersections, including St Martin Church Junction, Kunnumpuram, Padamughal and Eechamukku, to maximise available carriage space.

Immediate restoration works are also under way to fix damaged road surfaces.With the monsoon gaining strength, govt directed local bodies and KMRL to clear and desilt drains along the corridor to prevent waterlogging, which worsens the traffic delays.On the safety front, CM emphasised that strict instructions have been issued to adhere to contractual protocols following past safety lapses. He warned that stringent action is being taken against contractors failing to meet safety standards.

Dismissing allegations of a lack of interdepartmental coordination, Satheesan clarified that periodic review meetings involving the district collector, elected representatives and key utilities like KSEB, KWA, PWD and BSNL are being conducted to ensure the time-bound and safe completion of the Rs 1,957.05 crore metro expansion project.Interlocking tiles laid as relief to traffic gridlock:Meanwhile, KMRL completed laying of interlock tiles in the stretch from Palarivattom Junction to near St Martin De Porres Church on Wednesday.

However, the issue persists in a 100m stretch from church to JLN, where the construction of pillars has only started.“The main traffic congestion is at the point where the vehicles from Edapally side merge with that from Palarivattom bypass side while proceeding to the city. Police regulate and allow vehicles from either direction to pass alternatively while stopping the other. The waiting time came down to 15 minutes,” said Abdul Faiz, an auto driver.