Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Road users at the receiving end

S. Anil Radhakrishnan

Renovation of Kowdiar-Vellayambalam road

FLOUTING RULES: A make-shift mobile vegetable shop functioning from one of the bus bays set up along the reconstructed Kowdiar-Vellayambalam road in the city. Pohto: S. Mahinsha

Thiruvananthapuram: Although vehicles can now zip through the renovated Kowdiar-Vellayambalam road, the majority of road users are at the receiving end of the reforms and there are complaints that the 1.2 km-stretch has not been designed scientifically.

The stretch from the Kowdiar to Manmohan Bungalow has six-lane width while the remaining stretch up to Vellayambalam is equipped for four-lane traffic. While the renovation of the road, often referred to as capital's "Rajpath," has been welcomed, the problems faced by pedestrians and vehicles emerging from Keston Road, Jawahar Nagar, Nanthencode and Golf Links have not been addressed, it is pointed out.

Skirmishes between motorists are a regular feature in the stretch, as the motorists do not follow lane discipline. As traffic signals have not been installed at TTC Junction and at the entrance to Jawahar Nagar and Golf Links, motorists coming from these roads are unable to cross the road. Poor visibility from these three side roads is also a problem.

Pedestrians have a harrowing time crossing the road at Kowdiar as the zebra crossing is near the park and close to the entry point to Golf Links. Many prefer to cross the road by jumping over the median, inviting danger to life and limb.

Segregated bus bays have been provided near Kowdiar junction, near the Women's Club and near the Akkamma Cherian statue. But these bays have not become functional as trees have to be cut.

Some of the bays are being used by vegetable vendors and by vehicle dealers to display cars and motorbikes. At Vellayambalam, commuters continue to stand near the old bus stop near the hostel.

When the buses to Kowdiar side halt here, both the lanes get blocked. The reduction in the width of the footpath at Vellayambalam junction has come in for criticism.

Head of National Transportation Planning and Research Centre's research division Mahesh Chand said the integration of minor roads with main road has not been taken care of.

The "bell-mouth" area of minor roads should be widened to increase visibility. "The pedestrian facilities need to be enhanced to facilitate crossings at busy junctions," he added.

Circle Inspector of Police, Traffic, M. Radhakrishnan Nair said the problems posed by the bus bays and other issues had been taken up with the construction firm entrusted with the City Roads Improvement Project. The firm would be held responsible if any fatal accident occurred owing to the modifications, he added.

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