With Onam round the corner, law enforcers gear up to handle rush in Kozhikode city

The Kozhikode City traffic police face a huge challenge as Onam approaches , to ensure smooth traffic flow on all major roads in the city. However, public cooperation on various matters is essential for this to succeed.

Exactly a week ago, Kozhikode city witnessed a major traffic jam stretching from Kovoor to the KSRTC bus stand. At least two dozen policemen had to work for hours to clear the congestion, which was mainly attributed to vehicles parked on the roadside and frequent U-turns.

“There are seven U-turn spots in the 3.5 km stretch between Arayidathupalam and Thondayad on Mavoor Road. We need to barricade at least some of them, and efforts are being made to control roadside parking as well,” said L. Suresh Babu, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) (Traffic North). U-turns on the Mini Bypass Road near Mankavu will also be restricted.

As Onam approaches, Kozhikode city is set to be abuzz with shoppers, many from nearby districts, including those coming to enjoy the city’s famous food delicacies. Between Onam celebrations, flower and vegetable sales, and textile shopping, the flow of vehicles into the city is expected to be higher than in previous years. Ongoing work on the Mananchira-Vellimadukunnu Road will also add to the congestion. Besides, entry points to Kozhikode city from the National Highway have been restricted to Thondayad and Malaparamba, further increasing traffic on Mavoor Road and Wayanad Road.

“We are working on arranging more parking spaces so that vehicles do not have to be parked on the roadside. Three spaces have already been arranged, and more are in the pipeline. Once completed, a strict ‘No Parking on the Roadside’ policy will be implemented,” sources in the traffic police said.

The Onam celebrations organised by the Department of Tourism at seven locations across the city are also expected to add to the traffic congestion. “The final plan for traffic management can be prepared only once the programme schedules are available,” the ACP said.

Meanwhile, people have been urged to use public transportation whenever possible, avoid driving four-wheelers with only one occupant, refrain from parking on the roadsides, and follow general traffic rules.