With the previous norm of one autorickshaw stand at each junction expanding to multiple stands at different sides of the same junction, non-governmental organisations and others are urging civic and enforcement agencies to tackle the obstructive parking of autorickshaws and buses at junctions. Pointing to half-a-dozen of autorickshaw stands at junctions like Vyttila, T.N.
Pratapan, secretary of the Vyttila Vikasana Samiti, said they were further congesting the junctions, where vehicular movement was already chaotic due to a poorly planned flyover, a massive roundabout, and medians. “Often, these stands, which should be relocated away from the junction, are situated right at designated bus stops, causing commotion,” he said. Apprehensive of traffic snarls and accidents due to auto stands cropping up at the bell mouth and free-left turns, Motor Vehicles department officials said this violated safety norms.
The Kerala High Court had directed the police to take stringent action against unauthorised autorickshaw and taxi stands to clear space for pedestrians and motorists. It observed that at least 1.5 metres beyond the tarred road margin should be reserved for pedestrians throughout the State, but this is often being flouted across the city.
Besides, obstructive parking by inter-State luxury buses, especially in multiple rows on the western side of Vyttila flyover, remains a problem. A proposal to shift their halt to Vyttila Mobility Hub (VMH) after preparing waiting space fo.