Athachamayam: Traffic restrictions in Ernakulam on August 16

Every year, Kochi's Thrippunithura becomes a colourful picture of Onam festivities on Atham day, the first day of the period leading up to Onam. The grand centuries-old parade, named 'Athachamayam,' lines up various folk art forms, dance performances, representation of various community groups, caprisoned elephants, majestic umbrellas and more. This year, it will be held on August 16 from around 10 am till noon.

To give way to the procession, traffic regulations are also in place in various stretches of Kochi. Commuters travelling from Ernakulam and Aluva are strongly advised to use Kochi Metro services that day to avoid traffic snarls in and around the town. Here are the details.

Diversions for heavy vehicles
Heavy vehicles coming from the Kottayam side must divert at Mulanthuruthy, proceeding via Chottanikkara, Thiruvankulam, and the Seaport-Airport Road to enter Ernakulam. Similarly, heavy vehicles arriving from Vaikom should turn right to take the Mulanthuruthy-Thiruvankulam road to reach Ernakulam. No heavy vehicles, including tipper lorries, tanker lorries, and container trucks, will be allowed to enter Thrippunithura town during the celebrations.

Routes for buses and light vehicles
Buses and light vehicles travelling from Kottayam, Vaikom, and Mulanthuruthy towards Ernakulam must go via the Mini Bypass after reaching Kannankulangara Junction. For those heading towards Kakkanad, Ambalamedu, or Thiruvankulam, the route will be redirected from Nadakkavu Junction, turning right towards Mulanthuruthy and Chottanikkara.

Vehicles coming from Ernakulam and Vytila towards Vaikom, Mulanthuruthy, or Kottayam must turn right at Petta Junction and travel via the Mini Bypass and Kannankulangara. Meanwhile, all vehicles from Vytila and Kundannoor bound for Ambalamedu, Chottanikkara, and Muvattupuzha are instructed to reach Petta Junction and proceed through Irumpanam Junction.

Further traffic rerouting
Commuters travelling from Vennala and Eroor towards Kottayam, Ambalamedu, and Muvattupuzha should turn east from the Eroor Labour Junction, reach Traco Cable Junction, and take the Seaport-Airport Road to Irumpanam Junction. Light vehicles and service buses coming from Muvattupuzha, Thiruvankulam, and Ambalamedu towards Ernakulam and Alappuzha must proceed via Karingachira, Irumpanam Junction, SN Junction, and Petta. Heavy vehicles on this route will be diverted via Kakkanad and Palarivattom. Additionally, entry will be closed from the Puthiyakavu side to the Thrippunithura Market Road Junction via Market Road.

No-parking zones
To ensure a smooth flow for the cultural procession, parking is strictly prohibited along the main route, including Boys School Ground, Thrippunithura Bus Stand, Statue Junction, Kizhakkekotta, SN Junction, Vadakkekotta, and around the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. No parking will be allowed on either side of the corridor stretching from Kannankulangara to the Mini Bypass and Petta. Service buses arriving from Puthiyakavu must skip the main bus stand and proceed via Hospital Junction and the Mini Bypass.

Designated parking areas
Vehicles coming from the Nadakkavu direction can be parked at the Puthiyakavu Temple Ground. Visitors arriving from Maradu and Petta can park their vehicles at the Sree Narayana Vidyapeetham and Venkateswara High School grounds.