Kochi Police Implements Traffic Restrictions for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Visit
In preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Kochi on Wednesday, the city police have announced comprehensive traffic restrictions and diversions across key routes. These measures are designed to ensure security and smooth movement during the VVIP event, impacting several areas from the Naval Base to Marine Drive and Kaloor Stadium.
Primary Route Restrictions and Timings
The main traffic restriction will be enforced on the route from Naval Base to Marine Drive, passing through Thevara, Atlantis, Ravipuram, Pallimukku, Jose Junction, BTH Road, Park Avenue Road, and Shanmugham Road. This restriction is scheduled from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Additionally, vehicle diversions away from this route will commence earlier, starting at 11:00 AM.
To manage the flow, buses traveling from Fort Kochi or Mattancherry to Ernakulam, Kakkanad, or Aluva will be diverted at BOT East Junction. They will proceed via Kundannoor, NH 66, Vyttila, and Edappally. Conversely, vehicles from Aluva or Kakkanad heading to Fort Kochi or Mattancherry will be diverted at Edappally, taking the route through Kundannoor, BOT East, and Thoppumpady.
Light Motor Vehicle Diversions
For light motor vehicles (LMVs), specific diversions have been outlined:
- LMVs from Fort Kochi will be diverted at BOT East to use Thevara Ferry, Mattammal, Panampilly Nagar South, Manorama, Kadavanthra, and Vyttila to reach Edappally.
- LMVs originating from Bolgatty must take Chathiath Junction, Pachalam, Pachalam Overbridge, Pottakuzhi, Mamangalam, and Edappally route.
- From the High Court to Fort Kochi, LMVs are directed to head to Madhava Pharmacy, proceed to DCC Junction, and then via Iyyatil Junction, Chittoor Road, Valanjambalam, Manorama U-turn, and Panampilly Nagar.
Second VVIP Route Details
The second VVIP route will extend from Marine Drive to Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, passing through High Court, Banerji Road, Madhava Pharmacy, Kacheripady North Overbridge, Judges Avenue, and Kaloor. Traffic on this route will face restrictions between 12:50 PM and 1:20 PM.
Diversions for this route include:
- From Aluva to High Court: Take Edappally, Mamangalam, Pottakuzhi, Pachalam Overbridge, and Chathiath Road.
- From Aluva to Fort Kochi: Use Edappally, Vyttila, Kadavanthra, Panampilly Nagar, Thevara Ferry, and BOT East route.
Third VVIP Route and Additional Measures
The third VVIP route will run from Kaloor Stadium back to the Naval Base, covering Kaloor, Banerji Road, Madhava Pharmacy, MG Road, Pallimukku, Ravipuram, Atlantis, Thevara, and Naval Base. Vehicles will be restricted on this route from 3:05 PM to 3:30 PM.
In a broader security measure, heavy vehicles will be prohibited from entering the city starting from 10:00 PM on Tuesday until the conclusion of the VVIP visit. However, police have assured that facilities will be arranged to allow emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire services, to pass without hindrance as per situational needs.
Impact on Local Businesses
Meanwhile, police have issued directions for shops operating from the Kaloor Stadium building to remain closed for two days in connection with the visit. This step is part of the overall security protocol to ensure a safe environment during the high-profile event.
Residents and commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and follow the announced diversions to avoid inconvenience. The police emphasize cooperation from the public to facilitate a smooth and secure visit for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
