Mumbai, June 30 -- The state government has intensified measures to mitigate congestion and safety concerns arising from construction of Phase two of the Kochi Metro Rail Project along the Pink Line, following a submission by the Thrikkakara legislator Uma Thomas. The Chief Minister conveyed that the government is treating public difficulties during the construction period with seriousness and has initiated a range of corrective steps to reduce commuter inconvenience. Officials said the focus is on keeping the corridor operational while safeguarding pedestrians and motorists.
The 11.2 km long Pink Line runs from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad and has required temporary traffic arrangements at several locations. To manage vehicular flow, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, in coordination with the traffic police, has deployed trained traffic wardens at key junctions and work sites from eight am to eight pm daily. Barricades that had narrowed carriageways have been shifted inward where possible and road defects along the route are being rectified to ease movement.
Traffic policing has been strengthened by dividing the Palarivattom-Kakkanad stretch into three sectors with enhanced patrols and surveillance. Additional police personnel have been stationed near major junctions and educational institutions to manage peak movements and improve safety. To reduce load on the main corridor, commuters have been informed of detours and alternative roads through multiple platforms and traffic signboards on parallel routes.
KMRL's request for Rs 75 million (Rs 75 mn) for improvement of alternative roads is under the government's consideration as part of measures to provide relief to motorists. The administration has indicated that it is giving special priority to completing Phase two on schedule while seeking to minimise inconvenience to daily travellers and local businesses. Officials are balancing work progress with traffic management requirements to retain momentum on the project.
In view of the monsoon, authorities have initiated measures to prevent waterlogging by cleaning drains along the project stretch and ensuring temporary drainage remains functional. Coordination meetings involving KMRL, KWA, KSEB, BSNL, PWD, traffic police and other departments were convened under the collector to address utility and roadwork interfaces and to ensure smooth progress. The Pink Line remains slated for completion by August 2027.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.