Two UDF MLAs from Wayanad, along with party workers, held a day-and-night sit-in protest in front of the Kozhikode Collectorate, demanding immediate intervention to ease the persistent traffic congestion on the Thamarassery ghat road, the main link between Kozhikode and the district.

MLAs T Siddique (Kalpetta) and I C Balakrishnan (Sulthan Bathery) blamed the prolonged traffic snarl-ups on what they described as the state government’s inaction and poor coordination between the Kozhikode and Wayanad district administrations. They said the situation had worsened over the past week due to a surge in tourist traffic during the Christmas-New Year holiday season.

The protest was inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon by social critic M N Karassery, who said the problem could be resolved through coordinated action by the district collectors of Kozhikode and Wayanad. He questioned the delay in implementing effective measures despite repeated complaints and said ordinary commuters were bearing the brunt of administrative inaction. He also pointed out that no lasting solution had been found, even though one of Wayanad’s MLAs is a minister.

Addressing the gathering, Siddique called for the creation of a dedicated administrative authority comprising the district collectors of Kozhikode and Wayanad to oversee traffic management on the ghat road. He also urged the formation of a rapid-response team to address emergencies and disruptions.

Siddique also said the Kozhikode Collector had a key role in managing traffic, as the ghat road up to the Wayanad Gate falls under the district's jurisdiction. He alleged that a delayed site visit by the Collector following a mudslide at the ghat road viewpoint in August reflected a lack of coordination between the two administrations.

The MLAs said directives issued by the Human Rights Commission to ensure smoother traffic flow had not been effectively implemented. They also noted that assurances to restrict the movement of multi-axle vehicles and heavy trucks during weekends — a major cause of congestion — had not been acted upon.

According to the leaders, proposals to deploy a mobile mechanical unit and crane service remain on paper. They also highlighted the lack of basic amenities, such as toilet facilities, along the stretch, leaving passengers stranded for hours during traffic blocks, with women travellers facing particular hardship.

Kozhikode DCC president K Praveenkumar presided over the inauguration, while Wayanad DCC chief T J Isaac was also present. The protest is set to conclude on Wednesday.