The demand for a new police station in Vyttil is growing

The call for setting up a new police station at Vyttila, one of the busiest junctions in the state, grew louder when elected representatives raised the demand before Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.

Highlighting the need for a dedicated station, the memorandum was presented by Home Minister VP Chandran, Councilor Vyttila Division of Kochi Corporation, in the presence of Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas and recently Councilor Xavier P. Antony.

The memorandum mentions the growing importance of Vyttila as a major transport hub, with the Vyttila Mobility Centre, metro station and water metro services attracting tens of thousands of commuters and vehicles every day. “Currently, various parts of Vyttila come under the jurisdiction of Maradu, Kadavanthra and Palarivattom police stations. We are looking for a new station covering areas including Vyttila Junction, Janatha Road, Chalikkavattom and Ponnurunni,” Mr. Chandran said.

The councilor said that although such a request had been discussed in informal circles before, this was the first time a formal request had been made to the government. Mr. Chandran said the request is based on a preliminary assessment of the difficulties people face in accessing police services and is not supported by any data regarding the law and order situation.

Key areas of Vyttila including the junction, Silversand Island, west side of Kaniyampuzha Bridge, east of Elamkulam Bridge, south of SA Road and south of Vyttila Railway Overbridge now fall under Maradu station limits. Chalikkavattom, three km from Vyttila junction, comes under Palarivattom police, while Elamkulam and Ponnurunni, also near the junction, come under the jurisdiction of Kadavanthra station.

Police sources said there had not yet been any discussion within the force about setting up a new station within the city, although a request for a station in Vyttila was not out of the question. “It would be better to have a station centered around Vyttila as some areas like Janatha Road are often not given due attention. The high population density and vehicular movement in and around the junction requires the services of more policemen,” said a city police officer, requesting anonymity.

Meanwhile, a former senior official said the demand for a new police station for Vyttila sounded justified as the proposed limits cover the hub of human activity and suburban pockets. “New police stations are often set up in response to public demand. Proposals are sent to the state police chief and decisions will be taken after proper study,” the officer said. He cited the practical difficulties, especially the financial burden on the government, in opening a new station as it requires the creation of around 40 posts in addition to setting up the necessary infrastructure.

Published – 15 Jul 2026 23:16 IST