The Kerala government has taken serious note of the hardships faced by the public due to the ongoing second phase works of the Kochi metro from Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium to Infopark, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said.

Responding to a calling attention motion by Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas in the Assembly on Wednesday, he stated that corrective measures are being taken to ease traffic congestion along the stretch. Trained local traffic wardens have been deployed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the traffic police between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Barricades placed at certain points to facilitate construction have effectively reduced road width, worsening traffic snarls. To address this, barricades have been rearranged at St. Martin Church Junction, Kunnumpuram Junction, Padamughal Junction, and Eachamukku Junction. Steps are also being taken to improve other road deficiencies.

The traffic police have intensified bike and mobile patrolling by dividing the Palarivattom-Kakkanad stretch into three sectors. Additional personnel have been deployed at major junctions and near educational institutions.

Traffic diversions and the use of parallel roads have been publicised through the media to ease congestion along main roads. Signboards have also been installed along parallel routes.

A request by KMRL for an allocation of ₹7.50 crore for renovating parallel roads is under consideration by the State government, Mr. Satheesan said. With the monsoon underway, drains along the metro work stretch are being cleaned to prevent waterlogging.

“Strict compliance with all safety guidelines as per the contract will be ensured in the execution of metro rail works. Precautionary measures have been taken in view of past safety lapses. Stringent action is being initiated against contractors found flouting safety parameters,” the Chief Minister said.

Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring that the second-phase metro works are completed in a time-bound manner. No lack of coordination between agencies has come to notice so far. The district administration and people’s representatives are coordinating with agencies such as the Kerala Water Authority, KSEBL, traffic police, BSNL, and the Public Works Department to resolve issues periodically, he said.

Necessary measures will be taken to ensure timely completion of metro works and to address traffic problems during construction, Mr. Satheesan added.