The Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) has proposed a comprehensive modification of the busy LMS-Vellayambalam corridor in Thiruvananthapuram to tackle chronic traffic congestion and enhance road safety. The project aims to streamline vehicular movement at the heavily congested Vellayambalam Junction, where long queues and bottlenecks during peak hours have been a persistent concern for commuters.
Proposed Improvements
The plan includes widening the road, installing improved traffic signals and signage systems, and deploying additional traffic personnel to manage flow more efficiently. To ensure a scientific and data-driven approach, KRFB has engaged the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) to conduct a detailed traffic and safety study.
Natpac's Role
Natpac, a premier research institution specializing in traffic engineering and transportation planning, is expected to submit its report after an on-site assessment scheduled later this month. S Shaheem, principal scientist at NATPAC, stated that the study would focus on identifying critical pressure points and proposing practical interventions. "Our team will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the LMS-Vellayambalam stretch this month. The report will analyze traffic volume, pedestrian movement, signal efficiency, and safety concerns. Based on these findings, we will recommend suitable engineering and traffic management solutions," he said. Such studies typically examine multiple parameters, including traffic density, pedestrian crossings, and accident patterns, to evolve effective solutions tailored to urban conditions.
Background of Congestion
Vellayambalam Junction is among the most traffic-intensive intersections in the city, with thousands of vehicles passing through during peak hours. Past interventions, including the installation of advanced signal systems like vehicle-actuated Wi-TraC, have attempted to regulate flow, but congestion persists due to increasing vehicle numbers and changing traffic patterns.
Next Steps
KRFB officials stated that the proposed modifications would be finalized only after incorporating Natpac's recommendations into a detailed project report (DPR). The DPR will outline technical specifications, cost estimates, and implementation strategies before the project moves to the execution phase. Asok Kumar M, CEO of KRFB, told TOI that the initiative was still in its early stages. "We have sought a detailed study from Natpac, and the way forward will depend entirely on the findings and recommendations in their report," he said. Sources close to KRFB added that if everything proceeds as planned, work could begin by September.
Pilot Project
The LMS-Vellayambalam corridor is being treated as a pilot intervention. Sources indicated that if the modifications prove successful in reducing congestion and improving safety, similar models will be replicated on other key roads under KRFB in the city. The stretch is part of earlier city road improvement initiatives undertaken by KRFB, including the Thiruvananthapuram City Road Improvement Project (CRIP), which focused on widening and modernizing major urban corridors.
