To ease the severe traffic congestion on the Chalakudy-Chirangara section of the National Highway 544, trial traffic reforms will be implemented from 4 p.m. on April 5. The decision was made during an online meeting chaired by District Collector Arjun Pandian, here on Friday, convened to address the traffic snarl-ups due to the work on underpasses and overbridges on NH-544.
The meeting, attended by officials from the police, Regional Transport Office, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Motor Vehicles department, stressed the need for coordinated arrangements to manage the situation effectively.
The Chalakudy Deputy Superintendent of Police informed the meeting that small vehicles such as cars will be diverted from the national highway to sub-roads to reduce congestion while heavy vehicles will be allowed to use the NH. Night patrols will be conducted.
The Collector had visited the site on Thursday, following which the emergency meeting was convened. Instructions were given to the RTO to ensure that proper lighting and signboards are installed along the highway.
Concerns were raised regarding delays in the construction work and quality issues. The Collector urged the NHAI to deploy additional staff to expedite the construction work. Directions were issued to prevent waterlogging during rain, caused by blocked roadside drainage systems.
The Collector warned of strict action if a permanent solution to the traffic congestion is not found. Necessary staff, including flagmen, should be deployed for traffic management. Departments have been instructed to report on the measures taken by them by April 7.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) B. Krishnakumar, NHAI Project Director and officials of various departments attended the online meeting.
Published – April 04, 2025 08:34 pm IST