Rajnath Singh's Kochi visit: Traffic restrictions from 11 am today; check diversions
Kochi: Traffic restrictions will be in place in Kochi city on Friday from 11 am to 4 pm in connection with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit.
Restrictions will be imposed along several roads and areas, including the Naval Base, Thevara, Atlantis, Ravipuram, Pallimukku, Jose Junction, BTH Road, Park Avenue Road, Shanmugham Road, Marine Drive, High Court Junction, Banerji Road, Madhava Pharmacy, Kacheripady, Kaloor, Kaloor-Palarivattom Road, Deshabhimani-Punnakkal Road, Edappally-Changampuzha Road, BTS Road, Edappally Madam Junction and Changampuzha-BTS Junction Road.
There will be partial traffic restrictions on the Aluva-Palarivattom PWD Road. A complete ban on drone operations has also been imposed in the city in view of the minister's visit.
The City Police Commissionerate has urged commuters to make maximum use of Kochi Metro services.
Traffic arrangements
Aluva to Kaloor: Vehicles must take a diversion through Edappally, Palarivattom, Vyttila, SA Road, Kadavanthra and Kaloor-Kathrikadavu Road.
Aluva/Paravur to High Court: Vehicles should use the Container Road.
Kakkanad to High Court: Vehicles should travel via Palarivattom, Edappally Bypass and Edappally-Cheranalloor Road to reach Cheranalloor Junction. They should then take a free left, join the Container Road and continue towards their destination.
Thoppumpady to Aluva: Vehicles should travel via Thoppumpady BOT Bridge, Alexander Parambithara Bridge, Kundannoor, Vyttila and Palarivattom.
Aluva to Fort Kochi: Vehicles should use NH 66 via the stretch in front of Edappally Grand Mall, Vyttila, Kundannoor and Thoppumpady.
Vypeen/Bolgatty/Container Road to Kaloor and Aluva: Vehicles should use the Container Road.
Vypeen to Thoppumpady: Commuters should use the Fort Kochi-Vypeen Ro-Ro/jankar service.
Parking restrictions
Parking in a manner that obstructs traffic has been completely prohibited along the routes from Vathuruthy to Thevara, as well as on MG Road, Banerji Road, near Kaloor Stadium and in Palarivattom.
Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes or Kochi Metro during the restriction period.