Follow traffic rules for a quick exit after Pongala

Thiruvananthapuram: It took over two hours for the traffic jam on Kovalam-Kazhakkoottam highway to clear off after Attukal Pongala last year and the exodus this year also would not be different unless all pilgrims abide by instructions, the police said. They said that  that no returning vehicle should be stopped to provide refreshment to devotees. Vehicles should not overtake others and keep lane discipline. No vehicle  should stop or park on junctions and  small bylane roads.

“If devotees are keen to escape traffic jam, they can start the return journey at 5.30 p.m. but their vehicles should be parked away from the road. Last time even two-wheelers stopped on byroads blocked traffic as vans take lanes to reach the highway,” said a police officer. As per officials, the vehicles going towards Attingal should prefer Valiyathura, Shangumugham, Veli, Thumba, Puthukurichi- Perumathura- Puthiya Palam – Anchuthengu road over the bypass.

Similarly, after Pongala, incoming two-wheelers will not be permitted from Kazhakoottam and Mukkolakkal side to Chackai, Palayam to East Fort, Karamana to Killipalam, Manacaud to East Fort, Balaramapuram to Pallichal and Poojapura to Jagathy and Bakery to ensure smooth exodus. No obstruction will be tolerated on emergency routes on Attukal-Padaserry-Bund Road-Killipalam stretch and Attukal-Chiramukku-Airanimuttom-Kalady-Marathoorkadavu- Karumam-Thiruvallam route, the  officials said. For all traffic-related queries, the police can be contacted on 0471-2558732/31.