Ongoing steps to expand the bottlenecks at the thiruvankulam junction and Mamala-Karingachira corridor, PWD prepares the project estimates. |Picture source: File Photo
Protests on the construction of Thripunithura, improper delays in expanding and extending the road, and the resulting worsening of traffic congestion – Thripunithura Rajanagari Residents Association (Trura) will launch an agitation in June.
“This is because the government is unforgivable on the road extending to Hill Palace Road on Kochi Miyagi Road, expanding the SN junction – Pan Road and Kaniampuzha Road near Tripunithura Railway and adjacent subway stations, and the reopening of Thannerchal Park is to name a few,” said Trura convener VC Jayendran.
Mamala – Chitrapuzha Bund Road project and more train stops in Thripunithura are other overdue recommendations. As far as the Bund Corridor is concerned, people surrendered to the land for free. However, Kochi Wahn gas pipeline has laid its development prospects through roads. If completed, the road will help devongest Karingachira, Hill Palace and Thiruvankulam junction where traffic congestion is the norm. He added: “In short, since the reign of Kochi Kings, Thripunithura has received only one major road, the mini bypass – it's a steep curve.”
Meanwhile, the meeting chaired by MLA's Anoop Jacob, led by regional collector NSK Umesh, recently directed relevant officials to speed up the Mamala-Chitrapuzha Bund Road project. Thripunithura municipalities had been asked to explore ways to buy more land for the proposed road, and the Kerala Road Foundation (KRFB) was appointed to execute the road. Sources said measures are underway to expand the bottleneck at the thiruvankulam junction and Mamala-Karingachira corridor, and the Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared estimates in this regard.
Once completed, the proposed road is expected to significantly reduce the number of tanker trucks and other cargo carriers using Karingachira – Hill Palace – thiruvankulam Road.
Expressing concern over worsening traffic snarls on the road, CA Benny, chairman of the health standing committee of Thripunithura Municipality and regional vice-president of Ernakulam District Residents Associations' Apex Council (EDRAAC) in Thiruvankulam, recalled that a human chain attended by over 1,500 people had been organized about a decade ago, seeking urgent steps to build the bun road. He added: “If the oil company uses its corporate social responsibility funds to help relocate the gas pipeline, it can be done. As a short-term measure, steps must be taken to expand the region's thiruvankulam and other junctions.”
Official sources said that if another two meters of land is obtained on both sides of the proposed extension, the state government approved Rs 75 crore Bund Road could be completed.
publishing – May 4, 2025-11:56 pm ist
