NH 47 accident turns traffic turtle

Kochi: The delay in removing the overturned LPG tanker resulted in severe traffic congestion along NH 47 and nearby areas like Tripunithura, Pettah, Eroor, Irumpanam and Vyttila. As vehicles from Kundannoor junction to Maradu were diverted through Vyttila, the Tripunithura – Vyttila road witnessed a long queue of vehicles. It took nearly two hours to reach Vyttila from Tripunithura.

Since the accident spot was a major junction where NH 47 and NH 49 (Kochi – Dhanushkodi) joins, several long distance travellers were caught in the traffic blockage. On Wednesday night, soon after the accident, entry of vehicles to the areas near the accident spot was banned.

Without having prior information on traffic diversion, motorists coming from distant places were held up in a traffic jam for long hours on Thursday morning. During the peak hours in the morning, vehicles including school buses and two-wheelers were caught up in the traffic jam. Daily commuters including office goers and school students had a tough time reaching their destinations and most of them were not able to reach their work place on time.

Even alternative roads like Seaport – Airport Road and Aalinchuvadu – SN Junction Road witnessed heavy traffic. Private buses coming from the eastern parts of the district cancelled trips at Vyttila to keep the time schedule.