Lopsided priorities bane of Kochi traffic

Kochi: For the Chinese delegation, travelling through Kochi roads was the scariest experience. The experts who are on a mission to review the drawbacks, challenges and advantages of the city’s transport sector observed that the city follows a reverse order in traffic management.

“While cities in developing countries give priority to pedestrians in transport development planning, in Kochi, they are the most neglected. Pedestrians, bicycles, other non-moto-rised vehicles and finally motor vehicles is the order being followed in other countries,” Wang Kezhen, director of Hangzhou road administration department told DC.

“Here it is the reverse. The city needs a long-term traffic management plan with strict enforcement of traffic rules. Infrastru-cture development is anot-her key area with a focus on developing a pedestrian-friendly system.” According to these traffic management experts, the driving and travelling behaviour in the city has to be improved a lot.

“With no system for managing vehicle movement, speed limit and pedestrian crossings, travelling in the city is risky. Though roads are in a not-so-bad condition, the traffic management has to be improved through implementation of long-term projects,” said Li Chao, research analyst.

However, the urban experts added that compared to other cities, Kochi has well-networked roads in a better condition and people are aware of issues in the urban transport sector.