Kochi: The opening of the reconstructed north rail over-bridge on Sunday, which was expected to ease traffic, has only created more congestion on the stretch.
With two- and three-wheelers permitted on it, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kacheripady stretch witnessed a heavy traffic block on Monday while on Sunday, a long queue of vehicles was seen from Janatha to Kacheripady.
Passengers, bus operators and other stakeholders are divided over allowing two-wheelers and three-wheelers on the bridge.
While the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) does not favour bikes and autos till the Metro Rail construction on the stretch is over, commuters are objecting.
“For easy flow of traffic, it is better to continue the diversion of two-and three-wheelers through other routes. This will help avoid traffic congestion between RBI and Kaloor. Diversion is needed at least for three months till the Metro barricades on the stretch are removed,” said sources at DMRC.
The Private Bus Operators' Association (PBOA) is planning to submit a memorandum to the city police commissioner, seeking his immediate intervention in diverting auto rickshaws and motorbikes through the alternative routes.
“If only cars and other small vehicles use the Kaloor-Kathrikadavu Road to reach MG Road, traffic congestion in the Kaloor-Kacheripady stretch will be reduced to a great extent. But traffic wardens are not keen on diverting two- and three-wheelers,” said PBOA General Secretary M.B Sathyan.
