The Hindu : Traders oppose traffic regulation at Chalai

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 17, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Traders oppose traffic regulation at Chalai

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM June 16. The new traffic arrangement introduced in the busy Chalai market on account of the closure of the Overbridge-Thampanoor and Power House roads for the reconstruction of the culverts has come in for opposition from the traders and the shoppers alike.

According to the new traffic arrangement, which came into effect last weekend, the entry of vehicles to Chalai from Aryasalai junction has been restricted by the Traffic police. The police have put up a "no entry'' sign at Aryasala Junction and even two-wheelers are not being permitted to enter this stretch.

For shoppers, the traffic arrangement has come in handy as they can proceed to Chalai, the main market of the capital, from the East Fort side. However, those coming from the Karamana side in vehicles will have to proceed via the newly constructed Chalai-Attakulangara bypass and enter from the East Fort side.

Till now, the entry of the vehicles to the Chalai market was only from Aryasalai side. Over the years, the movement of KSRTC and private buses and other heavy vehicles was also restricted to prevent traffic snarls in the busy stretch.

Since parking is restricted on the side roads and allowed only on certain stretches on one side of the market's arterial road, many enter the market from Aryasalai side and park the vehicles near the junction before going for shopping.

The president of the Grain Merchant's Association, V. Azhakiya Nambi, said the new traffic arrangement introduced in Chalai by the authorities has merits and demerits. "While it has become helpful to a section of people, the one-way arrangement has become a nightmare for the rest of the merchants. It has come as a blessing for the lorries that bring vegetables and commodities as they can enter from the East Fort side,'' he said. Mr. Nambi said the authorities should have introduced the new traffic arrangement only after resurfacing the Kothuval Street and the road linking the street to the vegetable market.

The Kerala Vyapari Vyvasayi Ekopana Samithi has submitted a memorandum to the District Collector urging him to revoke the newly introduced one way arrangement following the protest of the traders that they are suffering business loss. The Collector, E. Ayappan, told The Hindu that the new traffic system has been introduced on a trial basis on account of the closure of Power House and Overbridge-Thampanooor roads.

``The Samithi has explained the difficulties encountered by the traders and the City Police Commissioner has been asked to look into the matter. We are ready to make alterations in the arrangement if necessary,'' Mr. Ayyappan said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Traders oppose traffic regulation at Chalai

RCC gets high-energy linear accelerator

MCA applications invited

Decision on more load-shedding deferred