By Malavika J.R.Traffic congestion has intensified at several junctions across the city after schools reopened for another academic year, forcing students, parents, and schools to adapt to longer travel times during peak hours. General Hospital Junction, the Kesavadasapuram-Pattom stretch, and Vazhuthacaud have emerged as major bottlenecks during the morning and evening rush. “School authorities have advanced reporting time by 30 minutes to help students reach class on time,” said Sebin Fernandez, Principal, Holy Angels’ Convent Higher Secondary School, Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram.Shilpi, the physical education teacher and gate-in-charge for the month, said the school shifted its start time from 9 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. due to increasing traffic. The limited space in front of the school gate contributes to the congestion, she noted.On the Kesavadasapuram-Pattom road, school authorities pointed to unfinished road and overbridge works as major contributors to traffic delays. John, the transport in-charge at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, said the road works that began six months ago remain incomplete, with trenches dug for pipeline works left open in some areas. He said, “Students often spend up to one-and-a-half hours on the road after school because of the congestion, tiring them out”. Satheesh, the School bus driver, said that ensuring students reach school safely and on time has become increasingly challenging, while the security staff member, Sudheer also highlighted poor road conditions as a major concern for officials. A Civil Police Officer on traffic duty at Pattom said: “Managing school traffic requires constant vigilance, particularly while helping children cross roads safely and preventing traffic blocks during peak hours”.Geetha G, Principal, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Cotton Hill, said that the school has notified students to leave home earlier to avoid delays. “The school protection groups work efficiently for the students’ safety. Regular meetings are arranged, and effective actions are taken for the addressed concerns,” she said.Neethu and Sreelekshmi, Class IX students at the school, said they often arrive late for their first class and that crossing busy roads near the school is intimidating. With schools back in session, parents, teachers and students hope that better traffic regulation and faster completion of road works will help ease congestion during peak hours. (The writer is interning with The Hindu Bureau, Thiruvananthapuram) Published - June 06, 2026 04:38 pm IST