PWD faces wrath from several quarters

KOCHI: Failure in installing a traffic signal system at the newly opened Kunnumpuram Junction at Edappally by Public Works Department (National Highway Division), has drawn flak from the traffic personnel as well as the local body administration.Traffic Assistant Commissioner Baby Vinod said, “We have repeatedly asked them to speed up the process of setting up a signal in the region but they are yet to respond. I have warned them that if any casualties are reported, I would hold the NH division authorities responsible,” he said. He also added that the lack of funds are one of the major reasons cited by the NH division officials. “But setting up a signal does not take much expenses. They are just trying to shudder the responsibility,” he said.According to Councillor Mahesh S, the NH division is also deluding the private sponsors who had shown interest in the setting up of signals. “The sponsors told us that the NH authorities were against the idea of private parties setting up the signal because then they would have to sanction their advertisements. In the beginning, NH division had almost sanctioned it, but now they have withdrawn from the agreement saying that the advertisements will pose as distractions to the public. If the NH division can allow ads elsewhere on their routes, why are they being adamant here,” he asked.The junction was opened along with the inauguration of the new Edappally RoB.“Daily, many heavy and small vehicles cross this area as it connects Edappally with the National Highway 17. Vehicles from Edappally, Eloor, Container Road and Angamaly use this route. However, there are no lights for the people to realise that this is a junction, in the dark. An accident can occur anytime” said Purushothaman, a resident there.Councillor Mahesh added that the residents in the area have threatened to take out a protest march, if no immediate action is taken.Meanwhile, PWD NH Division Engineer Rexy said, “We have already received orders from the Traffic Assistant Commissioner and will set up a traffic signal system there, soon.”