Kochi Collector directs KMRL to ease traffic congestion at metro work sites

District Collector G. Priyanka has directed Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to take immediate action to ease traffic congestion on roads where Phase II metro construction is underway. She instructed KMRL officials to coordinate with the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to address the issue, particularly along the stretch between St. Martin de Porres Church in Palarivattom and Vazhakkala.

Ms. Priyanka, who also holds additional charge as KMRL Managing Director, issued the directive after inspecting work sites between JLN Stadium in Kaloor and SmartCity in Kakkanad on Saturday. During the visit, she said barricades that can be safely removed from the work areas should be shifted to allow smoother traffic flow, while ensuring public safety.

She also ordered officials to begin construction of stations at the proposed sites in Palarivattom and Padamugal without further delay. Other departments, including the Kerala State Electricity Board, were told to promptly carry out instructions given to them.

The inspection team included Deputy Collector (Metro) A. Shajahan, Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) Biju Issac, and KMRL Director (Projects) M.P. Ramnavas.

The move follows a directive from the State Human Rights Commission two weeks ago, which had asked the District Police Chief (Kochi City) to have the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) inspect and address complaints about traffic jams caused by allegedly unscientific barricading for metro work. The Commission had acted suo motu based on a newspaper report and ordered that officials assess the reasons for severe congestion in the Palarivattom area.