Urban News

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size

Master plan offers solutions aplenty

Print PDF

The New Indian Express           28.05.2013

Master plan offers solutions aplenty

The heavy traffic congestion in the city could be expected to be solved in future, according to the road network proposed in the master plan for the capital. The traffic congestion and the limited scope for road-widening has  led to laying thrust on developing alternative links to divert the traffic passing through the Central Business District (CBD).

 In the master plan, four ring roads within the city limits, four radial roads and connection roads between these major roads forming a ring and radial road pattern while a grid iron pattern is planned for the outer city area.

 The inner ring road will go around the CBD areas in the city starting from Thampanoor KSRTC station. First intermediate ring road will start from Choorakkattupalayam and a flyover across MG Road at Melepazhavangadi is also proposed.  The second intermediate road will connect Thiruvallom on NH Bypass, Kaimanam Junction, Pappanamcode Junction, Thirumala, Pangode, Mannanthala, Chenkottukonam, Kazhakkoottam and so on. It is expected to initiate the regional development of new growth centres as satellite towns.

 A proposed bypass for NH 66 will originate from Parassala on the southern end of NH 66 and terminate at Kazhakkoottam. It will touch Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Thiruvallom, Eanchakkal and Chackai. The congested areas of Neyyatinkara and Balaramapuram are avoided.

 These roads apart, a number of radial roads are proposed which will interconnect the ring roads and lead to neighbouring towns or growth centres. 

Cycle Track

Embracing the concept of ‘cycling cities’, cycle tracks are proposed for the capital too. Along with the existing road networks, or along routes without vehicular traffic connecting the activity nodes, the exclusive cycle tracks will be provided. And 32 activity nodes for cycle track are proposed.

 The tracks shall be identified connecting suggested activity nodes frequented by the public. Ensuring comfortable and safe cycling, routes with comfortable cycling gradient are suggested. Space for parking of cycles shall be identified. A suggestion on setting up sign boards, marking lanes, or other methods of distinguishing cycle tracks shall be done and maps showing the cycle tracks and other facilities like cycle parking area are to be prepared.