Mavelikkara: A new traffic signal system is set to be introduced in the town to manage congestion scientifically.
The outdated signal lights at Michel Junction and Thattarambalam will be replaced with modern systems designed to ensure smoother traffic flow. In addition, a new signal light will be installed at Puthiyakavu, along with 25 surveillance cameras at key locations. A round-the-clock control room will be set up at the police station to monitor the camera feeds, and the municipality will also have access to the footage. Traffic blinking lights will be installed at busy spots, and faults in the existing 15 cameras will be repaired.

Sponsorship through private agency
A Pathanamthitta-based private agency will handle the installation of the new signal lights and cameras. The project is being implemented through sponsorship, allowing the agency to generate revenue by placing advertisements on the lamp posts installed as part of the project.

A team led by MLA M. S. Arunkumar visited Thattarambalam to review arrangements for installing the signal lights and cameras. He was accompanied by Councillor Pushpa Suresh, Joint RTO M. G. Manoj, and SHO C. Sreejith.

Signal light at Puthiyakavu
The signal light at Michel Junction, installed by Keltron 15 years ago, is being replaced following widespread complaints. Surveillance cameras will also be added. The signal light at Thattarambalam, which often malfunctioned, will be upgraded as well. With the introduction of a roundabout system at the junction, a suitable signal system with cameras will be implemented. Currently, only one home guard is deployed at Thattarambalam, which faces frequent traffic snarls. MLA Arunkumar said the new signal system is expected to ease the congestion.

Municipality to access camera footage
Earlier, around 15 cameras were installed in the town and nearby areas using funds from the local area development allocation of former MLA R. Rajesh. However, the condition that the footage be made accessible to the municipality was not fulfilled.

As a result, the municipal council decided to stop paying the electricity charges, rendering the cameras non-functional. Under the new project, the municipality has been assured full access to the footage.