A formal study to address Aluva traffic congestion in the town and along the national highway has begun, with the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre preparing three possible solutions for consideration by elected representatives, police authorities and transport department officials.
NATPAC Principal Scientist and Head B. Aneesh Kini said the study would lead to a report containing three proposals. The options will be discussed with the relevant stakeholders before the most suitable proposal is selected. A final report and detailed project report are expected to be submitted to the government within two months.
The study has been initiated following a recommendation from Aluva MLA Anwar Sadath. NATPAC will also consider suggestions and opinions received from members of the public and organisations on measures to reduce congestion, according to Kini.
The inclusion of public submissions places the study within a broader process than a technical traffic assessment alone. Residents, businesses and local organisations have been invited to contribute views on the congestion affecting Aluva town and the national highway. The supplied report does not specify the number of responses received or the individual locations and junctions identified for intervention.
The study is expected to examine possible measures before a preferred option is finalised. However, details of the three proposals, their estimated costs, the implementation agencies and the nature of the proposed traffic changes have not yet been disclosed. These details are expected to be set out in the final report and DPR submitted to the government.
Sadath instructed NATPAC officials to complete the study without obstacles and within the stipulated timeframe, citing the need to submit the report to the government as quickly as possible. The instruction followed a written commitment from NATPAC regarding the study, according to the report.
The process brings together several institutions involved in managing urban traffic. NATPAC is responsible for the study, while the municipality, police and transport authorities are among the bodies expected to examine the proposals. The final decision will depend on the option selected after consultations and the government’s consideration of the completed report and DPR.
Aluva Municipal Chairperson Saiji Jolly, Vice-Chairperson Fasil Hussain, NATPAC scientists Dr Anila Cyril and Dr N. Vasudevan, and Kini were present with the MLA during the discussion. The report does not state whether any immediate traffic-management measures will be introduced while the study is under way.
The next defined milestone is the completion of the study and submission of the final report and DPR to the government within two months. Until then, the proposal details, project cost and implementation schedule remain to be established through the study and subsequent official decisions.
