The bypass is presently partially closed down for vehicular traffic.
Truck drivers who make best use of Operation Anantha by parking their vehicles on Attakulangara bypass will be unable to do so on this stretch after the completion of restoration works. -DC
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Illegal truck parking would be banned on the Killipalam-Attakulangara bypass road soon after the completion of the ongoing maintenance works in connection with Operation Anantha, said senior traffic police officials.
The 2.1 km arterial bypass is used by most vehicles, especially interstate ones that enter and exit the city through the Kaliyikkavila- Karamana highway.
However, trucks from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka that come to the Chalai market with goods, park on the bypass virtually taking over two out of the four lanes of the road. The bypass is presently partially closed down for vehicular traffic.
“As in MG Road, no-parking boards will be put up on the entire Attakulangara stretch that crosses into Fort area. We have temporarily allowed them to park on one side of the bypass until the work is over,” said Traffic (South) Circle Inspector Satheesh Kumar.
As per truck drivers, the present ‘lorry park’ in Chalai is unable to cater to most of the around 200 trucks that supply groceries to the city. Since there are restrictions to ply heavy goods vehicles on city roads during day time, many trucks that reach here early in the morning, wait until dusk.
“Our arrival in the city itself is delayed by the treacherous traffic on Kerala roads and unloading in Chalai also takes time. Also we have to take a nap for some time,” says truck driver Selvamani from Thoothukudi.
Though the government plans to build a bigger truck parking lot at Erumakuzhy, KSRTC, the custodian of this land wants to build a bus depot here.
Operation Anantha delays road work
The restoration of the Killipalam- Attakulanga bypass stretch is being delayed by operation Anantha which is expected to relieve floods in areas like Chalai street, Yamunanagar, and pumping station road.
The high density of heavy vehicles leads to the frequent damage of Attakulangara road. A culvert from Karimadom side has been built across the road to Chalai side where it will join Thekkanamkara canal. Similarly, a widened 1.5 metre drain runs parallel to the bypass from Killipalam and joins the same Thekkenamkara canal at Attakulangara.
“Several smaller drains from SKP junction, Chalai Bevco outlet street, Pumping station road, Valayal Chetty street and Chalai street will also join this drain,” an official said.
Though the deadline for operation Anantha work will be over on December 31, 2015, according to some officials, it will be complete only by January next year.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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