Thiruvananthapuram: Thattukadas (wayside eateries), which were evicted for encroaching on the road and causing traffic blockages, have made a swift return within a week, setting up shop again at the same locations — right under the eyes of the police. Operating under benami names linked to major restaurants, these thattukadas have resumed business along the Vazhuthacaud–Cotton Hill Road, openly flouting the law enforcement system.

The Corporation, Museum Police, and the Food Safety Department have confirmed that no permission has been granted for the reopening of the demolished thattukadas. Despite notices from the health wing of the Corporation directing vendors to vacate the area, they have largely ignored the orders. The Museum Police had shut down the thattukadas following complaints from residents’ associations during a Janamaithri meeting.

A notice was served on the first of this month, and the vendors were removed the following day. However, they have now returned to the same locations, once again encroaching on the road and footpath. Political influence is suspected to be behind their sudden return.

Reports indicate that these thattukadas are operated by large restaurant units using benami names. During the eviction drives, the stalls of poorer vendors were also shut down, and it is believed that the hotel lobby exploited this loophole. The Museum Police have stated that any action against these unauthorised thattukadas will only be taken upon orders from higher authorities.

Meanwhile, unauthorised thattukadas that were cleared from the Kesavadasapuram–Paruthippara Road have not reopened as of Wednesday night. While some have resumed operations in other areas, the majority remain closed.

Thattukadas are permitted to operate only with a license issued by the Corporation under the Urban Livelihood Scheme. Although 3,353 applications have been submitted, only around 200 licenses have been granted. The delay by the Corporation, including in identifying designated vending zones, is being blamed for the denial of licenses.

Influence trumps authority
Meanwhile, the traffic police remain unresponsive despite directives from both the Mayor and the City Police Commissioner. Commissioner Thomson Jose confirmed that instructions had been issued to the traffic police to identify a separate location for long-distance private buses to pick up passengers, as stopping in the middle of the road was causing severe traffic congestion. However, this directive has yet to be implemented.

In anticipation of police action, private buses have shifted their parking to their own premises. The Traffic Advisory Committee meeting held in August had recommended relocating long-distance bus services to the Music College Junction. While the Mayor confirmed this decision, the Traffic South Assistant Commissioner claimed that no such directive had been issued. This contradicts the Commissioner’s statement that such an order had been given earlier.

The traffic police have taken the stance that no action will be taken against unauthorised bus parking unless a formal decision is made at a meeting or a complaint is received.

Despite this, most private bus services began operating from their own parking yards yesterday. While a few buses are still parked roadside, the traffic congestion was minimal since the buses no longer idle for long periods, as they had in the past.