Wayanad MLAs stage protest over Thamarassery Ghat traffic

Kozhikode: Two Congress MLAs from Wayanad---Kalpetta MLA T Siddique and Sultan Bathery MLA IC Balakrishnan---launched a day-night protest outside Kozhikode district collectorate on Tuesday afternoon, demanding a permanent solution to the frequent traffic snarls on the Thamarassery ghat road connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad and speedy development of alternative routes connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad.Siddique said traffic jams stretching for several hours have become routine, worsened by the holiday rush and are even affecting the transport of critically ill patients from Wayanad to hospitals in Kozhikode. He alleged that the district administration has failed to implement even temporary measures to clear stalled vehicles or regulate traffic, adding that the gridlock is also hurting the tourism sector. Pointing to poor coordination between the administrations of the two districts, he called for a special authority comprising officials, people's representatives and volunteers to ensure smooth and safe travel on the ghat stretch. "Even yesterday, I left Kalpetta at 11.30pm and reached Kozhikode only at 4.30am. Despite the heavy block, there were hardly any police personnel on duty to regulate traffic," he said. The MLAs urged the govt to fast-track the proposed Padinjarathara–Poozhithode project, describing it as a viable alternative that involves only a short tunnel and avoids hairpin bends. Siddique also suggested routing the Malapparamba–Muthanga stretch of NH 766 through the Chippilithode–Maruthoavu–Thalippuzha corridor and expediting preparation of the detailed project report. He questioned why restrictions on multi-axle and heavy vehicles are not enforced during peak hours and holidays and criticized the govt for not convening even a minister-level meeting despite the gravity of the situation. Writer and social activist M N Karassery inaugurated the protest. Meanwhile, the PWD's National Highways division has announced restrictions on multi-axle and heavy vehicles on the Thamarassery ghat road from January 5, citing maintenance works and clearing of felled trees near the sixth, seventh and eighth hairpin bends. Such vehicles will be diverted via the Kuttiyadi or Nadugani ghat roads.