Thiruvananthapuram traffic was severely disrupted for several hours on Thursday after four groups held simultaneous marches across the city, affecting key arterial routes and leaving commuters stranded during the working day. Police estimated that around 10,000 people took part in the demonstrations.
The worst congestion was reported along the Bakery Junction–Statue–Vellayambalam–Palayam–Law College Junction–PMG Junction stretch. Traffic movement was severely affected between 10.30am and 1.30pm, according to police sources, with office-goers, business establishments and other commuters reporting difficulty reaching their destinations on time.
City police commissioner Arul R B Krishna said managing simultaneous demonstrations had posed a major challenge, particularly because the marches used busy roads connecting important junctions and government offices. He said even a march involving about 2,000 people towards Lok Bhavan could cause substantial congestion.
“Even if around 2,000 people were marching towards the Lok Bhavan, it would cause huge traffic congestion. Traffic diversions have limitations. Traffic moves along with the march, but it takes at least 40 to 50 minutes for the participants to reach their destination,” Krishna said.
The commissioner said some of the marches had been held without police permission and that cases were generally registered against organisers afterwards. The police response highlighted the difficulty of managing road movement when separate demonstrations converge on destinations such as the Secretariat, Lok Bhavan, the state assembly and government directorates.
The Kerala Mining and Crusher Owners Association marched to the directorate of mining and geology, seeking withdrawal of a 2023 rule amendment and resolution of issues affecting quarry and crusher operators. The Kerala Pravasi Sangham marched to the Secretariat, demanding clearance of pending welfare pension arrears and improved support for expatriates.
The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi marched to Lok Bhavan to protest the proposed levy on UPI transactions. The Kerala Library Association held a march to the state assembly, seeking better salaries and restoration of allowances withdrawn from library employees.
The simultaneous protests disrupted routine movement across several connected junctions rather than affecting only a single road. Commuters called for better coordination between organisers and the police, advance traffic advisories and more effective diversion plans when large public gatherings are scheduled.
Police said traffic movement continues alongside a march, but the time required for participants to move between locations limits the effectiveness of diversions. The traffic impact was expected to remain linked to the timing, route and size of future demonstrations in the city.
