Efforts on to ensure traffic jam-free Onam

KOZHIKODE: With the Onam purchasing spree shifting to Palazhy where new malls and business houses are coming up along the Thondayad bypass,  business houses as well as traffic police have started special measures to ensure hassle free traffic through the National Highway bypass.

The major attraction is the Hi-LITE mall which proved a crowd puller within no time. Noted restaurant and textile groups in the city also have opened branches in the region increasing the traffic flow.

With a built-up area of 7 lakh sq ft. and a leasable area of 4 lakh. sq. ft., it houses more than 100 national and international brands. In the 1st phase, the mall has generated employment opportunities for 3, 000 people.

Hi-LITE Mall has introduced some of the premium brands like Lifestyle, Pantaloons and Home Centre in Kerala. In Phase 2 are Shoppers Stop, Marks & Spencer,  Spar and Cinepolis are expected to be established.

Big brands like Splash, Home centre, Splash and Max also have opened exclusive showrooms in the zone.

Hi-LITE group director M.A. Mehboob told DC that the purchase zone provided a new ambience and culture.

“We have also ensured alternate measures to ensure smooth traffic flow by working with traffic authorities”, he said, adding that extra parking facility would be ensured during the Onam season to avoid traffic blocks.

What worries the traffic officials is the high flow of cars to the mall during the Onam festival season. More than 2,000 cars were parked in the mall as well as along the road on Ramzan day.     

Assistant commissioner of police K.P. Abdul Rassack told DC that police had implemented various measures including declaring the zone as a no parking area and special vigil by police during the festival season.

A special meeting was also held and most suggestions that were made at the meeting have already been implemented to improve vehicular movement.