KOCHI: With the North RoB demolition in full swing, autorickshaw drivers in Kochi are left worried. The autorickshaw drivers in the city feel that diversions via Pullepadi RoB takes more time and fuel.“Now, if a passenger has to go to the High Court Junction from Kaloor, we need to travel through the Pullepadi railway overbridge to M G road and then to the High Court junction. Earlier, the meter charge between Kaloor and High Court junction was only Rs 30. But now it costs around Rs 50 to 60, as we have to cover a longer distance. We have to always argue with passengers for the additional amount,” said P S Jacob, an auto driver in the city. Auto drivers are finding it hard to use the Pullepadi RoB as it consumes more time and increases the distance.Due to the demolition of North RoB, the traffic through the bridge has increased now. The auto drivers are of the opinion that if they are allowed through the North RoB, it will be less time consuming and also they can save their fuel cost.Traffic congestion at the entrance of Pullepadi bridge is more during peak hours. “The traffic is maximum in the morning from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and after 3.30 pm. The processing time at the toll booth also adds to the traffic congestion. Vehicles coming from various side roads waiting near the toll booth is a common scene here,” said Nandhini, a shop-owner near the bridge.Also there’s an issue due to the narrow approach roads to the Pullepadi railway overbridge. A flood of vehicles over the bridge will naturally lead to traffic congestion. “The toll collection at the entrance of the bridge creates traffic blocks. This adds to the delay in travel time. During peak hours, there’s heavy traffic congestion,” said Roy Jacob, another auto driver.The traffic congestion will soon increase as the authorities will soon start demolishing the second bay of the RoB. “The traffic through the narrow roads will also increase by then. The government has not taken any steps yet to widen the roads,” he said. “One-way traffic through these pocket roads is another issue as we have to cover more distance now. Because of the pathetic condition of the road and that of the railway gate, we cannot completely depend on the Pachalam road,” he added.The autorickshaw workers union has come up with a demand that along with buses, autorickshaws should also be permitted through the North RoB. They demand that private vehicles should be diverted through the Pullepadi bridge or the Pachalam road.
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