New traffic regulations introduced at Vyttila Junction

Having witnessed gridlock for the past several days, traffic flow through the busy Vyttila Junction remained smooth since Tuesday afternoon, thanks to the implementation of a new traffic management plan.

The new feform, which came into effect from 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, envisages seamless flow of traffic on both sides of the NH bypass by suspending the intersection at the junction for the time being. So, smaller vehicles proceeding to Kochi from Thripunithura side have to enter the NH through the Thykoodam Church Road-underpass route while bigger vehicles are required to take a free left from Vyttila Junction and take a U-turn at the Thykoodam Junction.

Similarly, all vehicles proceeding from Kadavanthra Junction have to go through the Vyttila underpass to reach Vyttila Junction.

The junction, one of the busiest in the State, has been witnessing severe traffic snarls with vehicles taking more than an hour to navigate the stretch.

Adding to the chaos, many minor accidents, especially those involving two-wheeler riders who attempt to negotiate the bumper-to-bumper traffic, were reported from the area.

Commenting on the new traffic plan, K.A. Abdul Salam, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic East, said the traffic situation at the junction, especially during the peak hours, would be monitored continuously for about two days before making necessary arrangements. “A few roads in the vicinity, including Janatha Road and Thykoodam Church Road, have been converted into one-way to facilitate the new plan. We need to take the public’s feedback and make changes accordingly,” he said.

Similar plan

Earlier in July 2016, the city traffic police had implemented a similar traffic plan at the junction here by doing away with traffic signals and rerouting traffic in other directions through a series of U-turns. However, local residents and commuters opposed the reform citing the rise in pedestrian deaths and staged a series of protests including road blockade and dharna.