NHAI begins relocating âunscientifically locatedâ bus stops on Edappally-Aroor bypass
The Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun the process of relocating what it termed âunscientifically locatedâ bus stops away from U-turns and entrances to
The Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun the process of relocating what it termed âunscientifically locatedâ bus stops away from U-turns and entrances to side roads along the 17-km Edappally-Aroor stretch of Highway 66, bringing relief to road users. Such bus stops, without dedicated bus bays, have been causing traffic snarls whenever buses halt for passengers to board or alight. Heeding persistent demands from peopleâs representatives and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the NHAI took steps a week ago to erect steel barricades at an unofficial bus halt in front of EMC Hospital at Palarivattom.
âThe bus stop was relocated to a spot around 50 metres south of the existing one, as buses used to halt at the unofficial point near a U-turn to pick up passengers. This held up vehicles behind them as well as those seeking to take the U-turn,â NHAI sources said. The steel barricades will also prevent pedestrians from jaywalking at the U-turn. More such bus halts and stops can be relocated if commercial establishments on either side of the NH bypass cooperate. There have been instances of some establishments objecting to relocation, citing concerns that their visibility and business would be affected, the sources added.
The NHAI decided to install barricades in front of the unofficial bus halt near EMC Hospital following public demand. The Vennala-based Pothujana Samrakshana Samiti was among the organisations that had campaigned for the installation of the barricades. âOver the past few months, it was observed that buses halting at the unauthorised spot often caused traffic snarls lasting up to 15 minutes and also led to accidents. A Samiti team led by its secretary, K.N. Peter, installed a flex board urging passengers to move to the approved bus stop,â said Jafar Mansoor, president of the Samiti.
The Samiti also repeatedly took up the matter with the NHAI, the Palarivattom police and the traffic police, following which the NHAI installed the steel barricades. For its part, EMC Hospital has agreed to build a waiting shed for passengers at the new location, he added.
The BriefWire