Row over blocking road for ‘Literary Street’ in Kozhikode

Kozhikode Corporation faces opposition from traders and bus operators over plan to convert Comtrust Road into Literary Street.

The Kozhikode Corporation’s move to shut down Comtrust Road along Mananchira pond and divert traffic through Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Road at Mananchira has met with stiff opposition from traders and bus operators. Though a trial run by the traffic police on Wednesday proved to be a failure, another is being planned after schools reopen.

The traffic diversion is being planned as part of efforts to convert Comtrust Road into a ‘Literary Street’, a plan that took form after Kozhikode was bestowed with the tag of UNESCO’s City of Literature. The plan is to set up reading corners and book shops along the 100-metre stretch along Mananchira pond so that literature enthusiasts could enjoy their time amid books in a relaxed manner, without any disturbance caused by vehicles.

However, traders’ bodies and bus owners have vehemently opposed the move, saying that it will worsen congestion in the region, which is already suffering due to narrow roads and parking woes. “We have already lost two roads to the development of Mananchira Square decades ago. Blocking one more road will be a blunder. We urge the Kozhikode Corporation to convene a meeting of stakeholders before taking a decision,” said V. Sunil Kumar, district general secretary of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi.

The Kozhikode unit of the Bus Operators’ Association has also opposed the move. “At least 70% of the buses in the city pass through Mananchira. At present, the traffic is smooth, despite the occasional protests that cause congestion at the Kidson Corner. But diverting bus traffic through Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Road will be a disaster,” said N.V. Abdul Jabbar, district secretary of the association. He said that the association had already conveyed its concerns to the Kozhikode Corporation and other authorities. He also suggested that the ‘Literary street’ be set up in a less crowded area.

However, Mayor Beena Philip said the Corporation would not block Comtrust Road if the trial run proved unsuccessful. “We may need to develop some parts of Town Hall Road for buses to move freely. The lack of parking space in the region is also a cause for concern,” she added.

Meanwhile, bus operators suggested that the Corporation prioritise the widening of road at Kidson Corner and impose a ban on all kinds of protests there. They also demanded speedy completion of the Parking Plaza project so that people were not forced to park vehicles on Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Road.