Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court has issued a directive to complete pending construction works at East Fort and make necessary arrangements within six months to ease traffic congestion and prevent accidents in the area. The court has also ordered that the existing bus stand at East Fort be relocated to a more suitable location.

The order was issued while disposing of petitions seeking enhanced pedestrian facilities and safety measures in the area. The High Court also instructed authorities to implement proposals submitted by the Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Corporation and NATPAC, including the construction of three foot-overbridges with escalators to ensure smooth and safe movement for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Earlier, the court had asked the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department to examine the issues raised in the petition and suggest appropriate solutions. The Transport Commissioner, a respondent in the case, submitted a comprehensive list of proposals aimed at improving pedestrian safety and streamlining bus stand operations. The key proposals submitted included installation of crosswalks and skywalks, clear signage, designated parking spaces for buses, construction of bus bays, well-lit and secure waiting shelters, introduction of an electronic system to streamline bus schedules and manage passenger flow, strict enforcement of traffic regulations and imposition of fines for unauthorised parking

The court also reviewed the minutes of a meeting chaired by Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar

The division bench comprising Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji also emphasised the need for complete coordination among departments for the timely implementation of these measures.The petitions were filed by C A N Subrahmanya Sharma, G Sivaprasad, G Padmanabhan and G Ramakrishnan. Advocates Namitha N Balachandran, P Rahul, Bindu Shankarapillai and L Abhina Anushka Vijayakumar appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

Key directions from the High Court

• Complete pending works such as signage, road markings and replacement of tiles on footpaths within four months.
• Install guardrails along footpaths within six months.
• Begin construction of two foot-overbridges--one near the entry point to Chala Road (just after the KSRTC petrol pump) and another at Pazhavangadi, within two months.
• Monitor and take action against violations of traffic rules by buses operating from East Fort within two weeks. An officer must be appointed  separately for this task.

Long-term measures:
Practical decisions on matters such as relocation of the bus stand, land acquisition, removal of shops and eviction of encroachments must be taken within two months. If these steps are deemed impractical, suitable alternatives must be proposed and decided upon.