Thiruvananthapuram: The long-pending Thakaraparambu flyover will be thrown open to the public on Tuesday by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
However, apprehensions persist about its impact on the heavy traffic at East Fort and Thampanoor. Experts feel that clearing of bottlenecks on SP Fort Hospial – Enchakkal stretch and Sreekanteswaram park to Upplamoodu is crucial to get the full benefit of the flyover, which was constructed spending Rs 37 crore as part of the City Road Improvement Project (CRIP).
Project director of CRIP, Anil Kumar Pandala, said that the widening of Thakaraparambu – SP Fort – West Fort – Perunthanni – Enchakkal stretch was needed to take advantage of the flyover. “We will put up hoardings restricting the entry of trailers via the flyover as it could cause heavy road block. On the Thakaraparambu side, the roads are narrow. The Thakaraparambu – West Fort stretch is only around 4.5 metres and it has to be widened to 9 metres to ensure the free movement of trailers,” said Mr Pandala.
Trivandrum Road Development Corporation Ltd (TRDCL) – the concessionaire of CRIP - is planning to provide parking space under the bridge. “We will provide parking space for 50 cars and 150 two-wheelers under the bridge. This would be a huge relief for motorists,” he added.
However, the traffic authorities are hoping that at least 50 percent of the congestion at Pazhavangadi – East Fort region will subside once the flyover is opened.
“The flyover is going to be a boon for motorists who don’t want to touch East Fort, Pazhavangadi areas infamous for heavy traffic. But heavy vehicle movement would be a problem as the roads are too narrow and can cause traffic snarls,” said traffic CI (South) Satheesh Kumar.
