Union Minister Suresh Gopi orders all toll barriers lifted during Thrissur traffic jam

Union Minister Suresh Gopi stepped out of his convoy and ordered toll plaza staff to lift all barriers at Paliyekkara in Thrissur after traffic stretched more than two kilometres on both sides, police said.

The minister was travelling from Thrissur towards Ernakulam when he noticed the congestion. Though his escort vehicle cleared a path through the jam, Gopi stopped at the toll booth and directed operators to open every gate. His security personnel helped with the process, and the queue cleared in around half an hour.

Cited legal directives on idling traffic

Speaking to a television channel, Gopi said he felt a sense of responsibility and decided to intervene. He invoked court directives requiring toll gates to be opened when vehicles queue beyond a certain point, citing fuel waste from idling, excessive heat and smoke emissions.

He acknowledged toll operators could not be blamed for collecting fees, but noted the process takes considerable time when vehicle numbers are high. "So, what happened today, where a Union Minister himself directly intervened, should serve as an eye-opener for the authorities," he said.

Calls for district-level coordination

Gopi suggested district administrations and local authorities should coordinate with police and intervene at toll plazas during days of heavy traffic. "If the District Collectors or local authorities step in at these toll gates on such days, coordinate with the police, and pay extra attention, it would be a huge relief to commuters," he said.

The minister said he was aware some motorists resented his convoy's movement as the pilot vehicle led him through the jam. "But I feel satisfied knowing that today, all of them were able to experience a great deal of relief as they moved forward," he said.

Source: The Hindu