The design and the layout of the Vyttila flyover cannot be entirely changed at this point of time, taking into account various aspects such as acquisition of land, demolition of buildings, etc., according to a statement filed in the High Court by the Public Works Department (PWD), N.H. Central Circle.
The PWD said that the design was finalised for the construction of a six-lane flyover along the national highway according to the traffic volume.
The design was drawn to facilitate uninterrupted traffic along the NH in both directions. The traffic along the other roads which passed through and near the junction, ie. from Kadavanthra to Pettah, Mobility Hub, Ponnurunni, etc., was proposed to be controlled by a signal junction below the flyover.
Besides, it was designed in such a manner that the construction did not disturb the rail overbridge now existing about 360 metres away from the Vyttila Junction towards the Palarivattom side. If the height of the proposed flyover was increased, that would adversely affect the rail overbridge. However, change could be made, taking the views of stakeholders, and that too within the parameters possible, it said.
The court had earlier directed the State government to convene a meeting of all stakeholders to explore the possibilities of an alternative flyover design suggested by a petitioner.
The statement of the PWD further pointed out that the alternative design of the petitioner could be considered by an expert committee constituted in this regard and appropriate practical and remedial steps could be taken in the second phase for the improvement of Vyttila Junction. Since the design of the flyover had been finalised and its work started, convening a meeting of stakeholders would not improve the situation.
The views of the petitioner as well as the suggestions made by stakeholders, if any, could be examined by the expert committee and appropriate action could be taken to ease traffic congestion on other roads passing thorough and near the Vyttila Junction after the completion of the flyover, it said.
