Ernakulam collector orders to fast-track Vyttila decongestion measures

Kochi: District collector G Priyanka on Saturday directed various authorities, including PWD, to fast-track long-pending measures to decongest the busy Vyttila Junction and complete the works on a war footing by July 30.The directives were issued during a high-level meeting held at the collectorate. Collector asked PWD (NH division) to begin implementing the planned road development works at the state's busiest intersection using Rs 1.5 crore sanctioned by Road Safety Authority."Construction is scheduled to commence next week. Collector has strictly instructed that all existing bottlenecks be cleared," said a PWD official.Authorities estimate that the project will reduce Vyttila's traffic congestion by nearly 60%.As per the measures several structural modifications and rerouting strategies will be implemented to streamline vehicular flow.Heavy vehicles, including private buses coming from Sahodaran Ayyappan (SA) Road, will be rerouted further through Kaniyampuzha Road towards mobility hub exit. This will be facilitated by modifying existing road cuttings and partially removing concrete structures near NH flyover pillars. While this adds travel distance for heavy vehicles, it will drastically reduce waiting time at the junction.Light vehicles like cars coming from SA Road will pass through main signal and be directed smoothly onto Tripunithura road. A new road stretch measuring 120m in length and 12.5m in width will be constructed from Vyttila Junction towards Kaniyampuzha area.To prevent construction from worsening current traffic conditions, civil works, including demolition of compound walls, will be executed exclusively at night. Contractors have been ordered to clear debris immediately to green zones to keep the roads unobstructed during the day.The meeting also discussed long-term solutions to make Vyttila Junction completely signal-free. Three proposals are currently under consideration.To merge these proposals into a cost-effective, practical master plan, a follow-up meeting chaired by collector will be held at 4pm on Tuesday, followed by a joint site inspection by officials.High-level meeting was attended by sub-collector Grandhe Sai Krishna, corporation councillors, RTO, traffic police and PWD officials.