Kochi: Amid the public outcry over the traffic congestion on the Thrissur-Ernakulam stretch of National Highway 544, the Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the state government to constitute a committee to prepare an interim traffic management plan. The committee will be asked to focus on the congested stretch in NH 544, particularly around the Paliyekkara toll plaza.

The division bench comprising Justice A Muhammed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V Menon observed that a monitoring mechanism is essential to ensure smooth traffic movement. Observing the 12-hour blockade on the Thrissur-Ernakulam route reported recently, the bench highlighted the urgent need for intervention.

“In fact, some monitoring committee should be there...perhaps for the reason that there is no toll, all the commuters would opt to go through this road,” the bench said.

The court also suggested that the government explore the possibility of banning the movement of heavy vehicles on this route during daytime hours.

“Why can't you restrict the plying of lorries during daytime at least from 9 am to 6 pm? Let them go through the other way,” the bench asked.

The court stated that, while officials and representatives need not be members of the committee, it must hear MPs, MLAs, and local authorities before finalising the plan. The court left the discretion to the committee to decide whether daytime restrictions on lorries or diversions for heavy vehicles are necessary.

The HC issued the directive while considering a batch of pleas on severe traffic congestion in the Mannuthy-Edappally stretch of NH 544, particularly near Paliyekkara toll plaza, due to the ongoing underpass construction. On August 18, the Supreme Court of India also questioned the National Highways Authority of India over the traffic jam while considering its plea against a High Court order imposing a temporary halt on toll collection at Paliyekkara.
(With Live Law inputs)