Thiruvananthapuram: Efforts to dig a trial pit for the construction of the proposed flyover across MG Road at Mele Pazhavangady had to be abandoned on Tuesday morning after traders in the area put up stiff resistance to the project.

Thiruvananthapuram West MLA V. Surendran Pillai had to intervene after the traders blocked the officials and workers deployed by Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Company Ltd. (TRDCL) near the second terminal of the Central railway station.

The trouble started as soon as the workers arrived with their equipment at 9 a.m. and barricaded the area using metal sheets and reflector tapes. A mini excavator and tar cutter were deployed to dig the trial pit.

The Traffic police had on Monday announced traffic restrictions on the road from the second terminal of the Central railway station to the Mele Pazhavangady junction.

Seeing the activity, more than 50 traders gathered at the site and blocked the work. TRDCL officials were taken aback by the protest.

As the stand-off continued, the MLA reached the spot and tried to negotiate with both sides.

TRDCL officials explained that the trial pits were being dug only to assess the soil strength.

The traders, however, said the traffic restrictions in the area would impact on the peak sales period during the Onam festival season in September.

They feared eviction for the flyover project before a rehabilitation scheme was finalised by the Government.

Meanwhile, sensing the hostile mood of the local people, TRDCL officials agreed to abandon the trial pits and withdrew from the scene.

Later, Mr. Pillai said he had requested Public Works Minister P.J. Joseph for a comprehensive review of the city roads improvement project.

He also suggested shifting the proposed flyover from Mele Pazhavangady to Attakulangara junction. "That might also help to resolve the traffic congestion at the junction," he said.

Project officials, however, point out that the proposal to shift the flyover would be impractical since it was part of the intermediate ring road.

"Besides, it will also help to improve the utilisation of the second terminal of the Central railway station," an official said.

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