Adaptive traffic management systems that adjust signal timing based on real-time traffic flow are likely to be piloted at key intersections in Kozhikode city such as Thondayad. | Photo credit: File photo
The police have initiated talks to speed up the implementation of the new traffic master plan for Kozhikode city in coordination with various government departments following growing complaints of recurring traffic snarls and lack of staff for manual regulation. The plan will propose the introduction of intelligent traffic management systems and modern parking solutions, similar to those successfully implemented in several developed cities.
A model of the proposed master plan, prepared with inputs from traffic police officers and other stakeholders, was recently presented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K. Pavithran at a district-level meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police (Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety) S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar. The meeting, which was attended by District Superintendent of Police T. Narayanan and other senior officers, discussed the proposals of department heads and discussed strategies for smoother traffic, increased road safety, development of model roads and innovative financing options for transport modernization projects.
“The master plan will be finalized with the technical support of experts from the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, and is expected to get support from the Public Works Department (PWD), the District Planning Committee and the Kerala Road Fund Board,” said a senior police officer who attended a review meeting last week. He added that the initiative also aims to address the alarming figures of last year, which saw 315 deaths out of nearly 5,000 road accidents in Kozhikode district.
A new traffic management plan to address deficiencies in adaptive traffic control systems, modern signaling practices, surface markings, warning lights, AI-based cameras and redevelopment of accident-prone intersections has been long overdue, according to recently retired police officers. They said that the lack of funds for these basic requirements should be resolved with the cooperation of all concerned ministries and planning agencies.
“In the coming days, the city must switch to adaptive traffic management systems that adjust signal timings based on real-time traffic flow. This could be piloted at key junctions like Mavoor Road, Eranhipalam and Thondayad,” said a former inspector from the Kozhikode City Traffic unit. He added that the priority should also be the modification of problematic intersections.
Experts who participated in recent discussions at the district level also prioritized the creation of additional satellite parking facilities in the city and its suburbs. Police sources said the issue could be effectively resolved once the under-construction modular parking projects and the proposed smart parking at Kozhikode beach are completed.
Published – 02 Nov 2025 19:09 IST
