Thiruvananthapuram: In a meeting called by city police to sort out the traffic jam at Chackai on National Highway 66, the management of a recently inaugurated mall has expressed readiness to boost its parking space. The traffic jams have been regular since March 23 this year, particularly on holidays, next to Mall of Travancore. The mall has a capacity to accommodate around 1200 vehicles. However, the footfall of customers is massive that double the expected numbers turns up.
"In a meeting called by DCP G. Jaidev, the mall authorities have informed that new land was being leased to accommodate 1000 more vehicles. It is likely to become a reality in the coming weeks," assistant police commissioner said. Among the most affected were the patients of a prominent hospital next to the mall. Ambulance drivers say that severe trauma and head injury cases are now being diverted to other hospitals.
Though many city residents take a detour to avoid the stretch, the vehicles from outside the city get caught in the jam on Vallakaadavu-Chackai stretch of NH 66. Several traffic wardens were deployed to control the traffic. "Deploying more personnel will not solve the issue. So we are just waiting for the mall to increase its parking space," the police official added.
