Congestion, speeding buses choke Thiruvalla-Mallappally road

Thiruvalla: A narrow four-kilometre stretch on the Thiruvalla–Mallappally Road has turned into a daily choke point, with heavy congestion and speeding of private buses adding to the woes of commuters and pedestrians.

The limited width of the road often brings traffic to a complete standstill whenever two buses travelling in opposite directions halt at the same time. When buses stop near the Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital, the congestion frequently spills over and disrupts movement even on the nearby bypass road.

Officials, meanwhile, say plans to widen the road have run into difficulties after several complaints were lodged over land acquisition, leaving the development project in uncertainty.

Road users and pedestrians are also facing growing danger from the reckless race among private buses on the route, leaving many people afraid even to walk along the roadside. Last month, two private buses brushed against each other in front of the Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital, leading to a verbal altercation between crew members and causing traffic disruption. Competitive speeding between buses has become a regular sight on the road. On an earlier occasion too, private buses had collided near Bathelpadi Junction following a race on the road.

As the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow, buses are often unable to reach the stand on schedule. In a bid to keep to the timetable, many are resorting to this dangerous rush.

Railway Station route left out, passengers put to hardship
Passengers are facing increasing hardship as private buses arriving in Thiruvalla from the Mannar side no longer operate via the railway station. Earlier, buses used to reach the private stand through SCS Junction and the railway station route. At present, they turn right at the junction and proceed directly to the stand.This has particularly affected regular train commuters travelling towards Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam during the morning and evening peak hours.

Those arriving at the KSRTC Bus Stand also have limited alternatives. Many complain that auto-rickshaw drivers often refuse trips, citing the short distance.

Before the bypass came into existence, private buses had begun avoiding the railway station route citing traffic congestion. However, even after the bypass became a reality, buses have not restored the old route. It is alleged that the route was shortened mainly to save a distance of around one and a half kilometres.

Authorities have failed to verify whether private buses are adhering to their approved routes or to monitor overspeeding. Commuters have demanded stricter inspections by the Motor Vehicles Department and police at regular intervals along the Mallappally Road, including stretches near hospitals, schools and within town limits.