TVM Onam traffic: Drivers told to display phone numbers on parked cars

Thiruvananthapuram is gearing up for grand Onam celebrations, and to ensure a hassle-free festive season, the city police have announced major traffic regulations. The curbs will be in place from August 24 to 30, daily between 2pm and midnight. With massive crowds expected across the capital, the authorities have warned of strict action against unauthorised parking on main roads and footpaths. Commuters heading to the airport or railway stations are advised to plan their journeys well in advance.

To prevent gridlocks and aid swift vehicle movement, the police have issued a unique directive: all motorists using designated parking zones must prominently display their contact numbers on their vehicles. This will allow authorities or other drivers to contact them if a vehicle needs to be moved in an emergency. Parking on footpaths is strictly banned, and vehicles parked illegally on key emergency routes will be towed immediately. The zero-parking emergency routes include Vellayambalam, Althara, Manmohan Bungalow, PHQ, Manaveeyam, Keltron, Kanakakunnu, Museum, Corporation, AR Camp, Kanakanagar, Nanthancode, Devaswom Board, and TTC.

To accommodate the influx of festival-goers, specific parking lots have been arranged throughout the city. Two-wheelers can be parked at Tagore Theatre, Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, PMG PWD Compound, and the Corporation Office compound. Four-wheelers can utilise the Vellayambalam Water Authority Compound, Observatory Hills, Corporation Office Multi-level Parking, Arts College Ground, Saphalyam Complex Multi-level Parking, Sanskrit College Ground, Kerala University Office premises, University College Ground, Vazhuthacaud Women's College Ground, Music College Ground, Model School Ground, TTC College Ground, SMV School Ground, Manjalikulam Ground, Thampanoor Multi-level Parking, KSRTC Multi-level Parking, and the grounds of Chala Boys and Chala Girls schools.

Commuters travelling from outside the city limits are encouraged to park at designated outer lots and use public transport to enter the city centre. Visitors from Kattakkada, Malayinkeezhu, and Thirumala can park at Thirumala AMHSS, Seventh Day School, or the Poojappura LBS Centre grounds. Those arriving from Nedumangad can use the Vattiyoorkavu Central Polytechnic or Udiyannoor Devi Temple grounds. For vehicles coming from Neyyattinkara, parking is available at Attukal Temple, Chala Boys, Chala Girls, Model School, and Thycaud TTC grounds. Visitors from Thiruvallam can park at Manacaud HSS, Fort High School, and East Fort Central School. Those from Ulloor and MC Road can head to MG College Ground, while commuters from Kazhakkoottam can use the Kariavattom University Campus or Greenfield Stadium parking grounds.

Ambulances and other emergency service vehicles arriving from Nedumangad, Neyyattinkara, Kattakkada, Peroorkada, Sasthamangalam, East Fort, and Thampanoor should strictly avoid the Vellayambalam, Museum, PMG, and Palayam route. Instead, they are advised to travel via Kowdiar and Pattom, or use the RBI, Underpass, General Hospital, Naalumukku, Kannammoola, and Kumarapuram routes.

Several route diversions will be enforced during the peak celebration hours. Vehicles heading from Palayam and Statue towards Kowdiar, Peroorkada, or Nedumangad must travel via University College, Asan Square, CSN Flyover, GV Raja, PMG, Plamoodu, Marappalam, and Kuravankonam. Traffic from East Fort and Thampanoor towards Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam, or Peroorkada will be diverted via Panavila, Bakery, Vazhuthacaud, and Edapazhanji. Motorists heading towards Palayam, Thampanoor, and East Fort from Kowdiar, Peroorkada, Nedumangad, or Sasthamangalam should take the route through Vellayambalam, Vazhuthacaud, Women's College Junction, Kalabhavan Mani Road, and Panavila. Meanwhile, vehicles coming from Kesavadasapuram and Pattom should head via Pattom, Pottakkuzhy, Kumarapuram, Kannammoola, Naalumukku, General Hospital, and Asan Square.

To tackle issues like pickpocketing, theft, and eve-teasing during the Onam rush, the city police have launched a special security initiative called 'Onathumbi'. Under this drive, a dedicated team of 50 male and female shadow police officers will be deployed in civilian clothes. They will closely monitor shopping hubs, busy market areas, bus terminals, and major event venues to ensure a safe environment for everyone, especially women and families.
For assistance or traffic queries during the festive season, the public can reach out to the traffic police on the helpline numbers 0471 2558731 or 9497930055.