Ernakulam District Collector G. Priyanka inspecting the second phase of Kochi Metro works on September 5.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

District Collector G. Priyanka has instructed officials of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to take necessary steps to immediately resolve traffic congestion on roads where work on the second phase of the metro project is progressing.KMRL officials have been told to collaborate with the Motor Vehicles department to address traffic woes, especially on the stretch between St. Martin de Porres Church, Palarivattom, and Vazhakkala.The Collector, who holds additional charge of KMRL Managing Director, issued the directive after inspecting the worksites between JLN Stadium, Kaloor, and SmartCity, Kakkanad, on Saturday (September 5).She said barricades that could be removed from the worksites should be shifted after ensuring public safety, to facilitate smooth traffic.Ms. Priyanka also instructed officials to immediately take steps to start construction of stations on the right of the proposed stations at Palarivattom and Padamugal. The other departments, including the Kerala State Electricity Board, should carry out the instructions given to them without delay.Officials, including Deputy Collector (Metro) A. Shajahan, Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) Biju Issac, and KMRL Director (Projects) M.P. Ramnavas, accompanied Ms. Priyanka during the site visit.Two weeks ago, the State Human Rights Commission had directed the District Police Chief (Kochi City) to ask the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to conduct a site inspection and inquiry and urgently address complaints about traffic congestion caused by the alleged unscientific barricading of roads for metro work.The case was registered suo motu based on a newspaper report, according to a communication. According to the order, a notice should be issued to the KMRL Managing Director before the inspection. The Commission had ordered that officials should assess the reasons for the severe traffic congestion in the Palarivattom area. Published - September 05, 2026 07:32 pm IST