SHRC directive to address traffic congestion caused by Kochi metro works

State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Alexander Thomas has directed the District Police Chief (Kochi City) to appoint the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to conduct a site inspection and inquiry and urgently address complaints of traffic congestion caused by the alleged unscientific barricading of roads for metro construction.

The case was registered suo motu based on a newspaper report, according to a communication. The order directs that a notice be issued to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) managing director (MD) before the inspection. Officials should assess the reasons for the severe traffic congestion in the Palarivattom area.

The investigating officers should ascertain the causes of the traffic congestion from KMRL office-holders and submit suggestions for easing traffic flow to the District Police Chief. Based on the report, the District Police Chief should consult various agencies and take immediate measures to address the traffic congestion.

The District Police Chief must submit a report to the Commission’s office within one month, along with a copy of the investigation report. The KMRL MD must also submit proposals to alleviate traffic congestion in the Palarivattom area, along with an update on the progress of the metro works.

The Commission further directed the Traffic Assistant Commissioner, representing the District Police Chief, and a representative of the KMRL MD to appear at a sitting scheduled for 10 a.m. on October 23 at the PWD Rest House in Pathadipalam.