Thiruvananthapuram: A malfunctioning traffic signal at Attingal’s Kacheri Junction, one of the busiest intersections on the National Highway in the region, has disrupted traffic movement and raised concerns over commuter safety, with vehicles from four directions negotiating the junction without automated control.The signal, which had reportedly been functioning intermittently for the past few days, stopped working completely on Thursday. Since then, traffic has moved without proper regulation at the junction, where the National Highway intersects with Chirayinkeezhu Road, BTS Road and Police Station Road, causing congestion and raising the risk of accidents.Kacheri Junction is a major entry point to several govt offices, including the mini civil station, courts, the police station and the sub-registrar office. It also sees heavy pedestrian movement, with students, office-goers and residents crossing the highway to reach schools, public institutions and commercial establishments.Motorists said vehicles from the Alamcode side, which normally make regulated U-turns under the signal system, are now negotiating the junction without clear right of way. Pedestrians have been forced to cross the busy highway amid continuous traffic flow, heightening safety concerns during peak hours.Despite heavy traffic volume, only one home guard has been deployed to regulate the junction. Residents said a single officer cannot effectively manage traffic from all four directions and urged authorities to make temporary arrangements until the signal is restored.Attingal police said Keltron, which maintains the signal system, was informed in writing after the malfunction was noticed. Police also cited a personnel shortage at the station as the reason for not deploying additional officers.A Keltron source said the agency had taken note of the issue. “We have received information regarding the malfunction and will look into the matter. Necessary technical steps will be taken after inspection,” the source said.Attingal municipality chairperson A Pradeep said the civic body would raise the matter with the National Highways Authority and police to ensure an early resolution and restore normal traffic.
