Kochi Police Announce Major Traffic Restrictions for Vice President's Sunday Visit
In preparation for the high-profile visit of the Vice President to Kochi on Sunday, the City Police Department has announced comprehensive traffic restrictions that will significantly impact movement across several key areas. The restrictions will be strictly enforced from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, covering multiple junctions and roads within the city limits to ensure security and smooth passage for the VVIP convoy.
Affected Areas and Detailed Route Diversions
The traffic restrictions will primarily affect the corridor from Vathuruthy Junction to High Court Junction, with additional controls in surrounding neighborhoods. Specific areas impacted include Willingdon Island, the Naval Base, Thevara, MG Road, Banerji Road, Park Avenue Road, and Shanmugham Road. Police officials emphasized that these measures are necessary to maintain order and safety during the Vice President's movement through the city.
For vehicles traveling from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry towards High Court, Container Road, and Edappally, a detailed diversion route has been mandated. Drivers must turn right after the Thoppumpady BOT Bridge, then proceed via the Alexander Parambithara Bridge to Kundannoor Junction. From there, they should turn left to reach Vyttila Junction, followed by another left turn to Kadavanthra Junction. The route then requires a right turn via KK Road to reach Kaloor Junction, and finally proceeding via Kacheripady to reach High Court Junction before heading towards the Container area via Bolgatty Junction.
Conversely, vehicles traveling from Vypeen towards Fort Kochi and Mattancherry must turn left from High Court Junction, reach Kaloor Junction via KK Road, turn left to reach Vyttila via Sahodaran Ayyappan Road, and then proceed to Thoppumpady via the Kundannoor Bridge. This alternative routing is designed to minimize congestion and ensure efficient traffic flow during the restricted hours.
Additional Restrictions and Security Measures
During the VVIP movement, vehicles from Vyttila and Edappally heading towards High Court will only be permitted to proceed up to High Court Junction, with no further access beyond that point. Traffic on MG Road will be partially restricted, allowing only limited movement to accommodate local residents and essential services. Police have also issued a strict ban on all drone operations in the affected areas to prevent any security risks, underscoring the heightened vigilance during the visit.
Authorities urge commuters to plan their journeys accordingly, avoid the restricted zones if possible, and follow the designated diversion routes to prevent delays. The police will deploy additional personnel at key junctions to assist drivers and ensure compliance with the traffic regulations. These measures reflect the city's commitment to facilitating a secure and seamless visit for the Vice President while minimizing disruption to daily life.
