Law & Order: Nagercoil traffic police intensify drive against walkway encroachments

Nagercoil traffic police directing the shopkeepers to remove encroachments from walkways on Cape Road. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT In an attempt to ensure hassle-free movement for pedestrians, Nagercoil traffic wing police have intensified the removal of encroachments from pedestrian pathways, particularly in the areas where the Nagercoil Corporation has completed the construction of such pathways.The Nagercoil Corporation has been carrying out the construction of pedestrian pathways across the city with the objective of creating pedestrian-friendly roads. It has completed the work in several parts of the city, including Court Road, St.Xavier’s Cathedral to Chettikulam Junction on K.P. Road, WCC Road, and parts of Balamore Road in the city limits. The works are being carried out at a cost of around ₹5 crore under the 15th Finance Commission.However, despite the completion of the pathways, shops placing name hoardings and goods for display on them has remained a recurring issue, defeating the very purpose of creating a pedestrian-friendly roads in the city.To facilitate the core idea behind the construction of pathways, the Nagercoil traffic wing police have intensified the removal of encroachments on pedestrian pathways and carriageways. The drive is being conducted regularly in several parts of the city, including WCC Road, the stretch between Kottar police station and St. Xavier’s Cathedral junction and other areas.Kumari, a resident of Ezhavar street in Kottar said, “Encroachments on pedestrian pathways have become a major concern for pedestrians, particularly while taking children home from school during peak hours. The measure taken by the police is relief, as it ensures the safety of pedestrians and facilitates the free flow of traffic.”She added that this should also be extended to Kambalam and Railway Station Road, where a larger portion of the walkway was either occupied by goods kept outside by wholesale dealers or encroached upon by vehicles.Speaking to The Hindu, an official from Nagercoil traffic wing said that encroachments on pedestrian pathways were being regularly removed in the interest of the safety of pedestrians and motorists. Boards and other structures encroaching on the roads were also being removed, he added.“During the first warning, written undertakings are obtained from the traders. If the encroachment is found again, the goods are taken into police custody,” the official noted. Published - August 27, 2026 07:26 pm IST