The call for establishing a new police station at Vyttila, one of the busiest junctions in the State, has grown louder with elected representatives raising the demand before Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.
A memorandum, highlighting the need for a dedicated station, was submitted to the Home Minister by V.P. Chandran, the councillor of the Kochi Corporation’s Vyttila division, in the presence of Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas and councillor Xavier P. Antony recently.
The memorandum cites Vyttila’s growing importance as a major transport hub, with the Vyttila Mobility Hub, metro stations, and Water Metro services attracting tens of thousands of commuters and vehicles every day. “At present, different parts of Vyttila come under the jurisdiction of the Maradu, Kadavanthra and Palarivattom police stations. We are seeking a new station covering areas including Vyttila Junction, Janatha Road, Chalikkavattom, and Ponnurunni,” Mr. Chandran said.
The councillor said though such a demand was discussed in informal circles earlier, it was the first time a formal request had been placed before the government. Mr. Chandran said the demand was based on a preliminary assessment of the difficulties faced by people in accessing police services and not backed by any data pertaining to the law and order situation in the area.
Key areas of Vyttila including the junction, Silversand Island, western side of Kaniyampuzha bridge, east of Elamkulam bridge, south of S.A. Road, and south of Vyttila Railway Overbridge fall under the Maradu station limits now. Chalikkavattom, three km from Vyttila Junction, falls under the Palarivattom police, while Elamkulam and Ponnurunni, also close to the junction, are within the jurisdiction of the Kadavanthra station.
Police sources said there was no discussion within the force yet on setting up a new station within the city limits though the demand for one at Vyttila was not entirely out of place. “It would be better to have a station centred around Vyttila as certain areas like Janatha Road do not get due attention often. The high population density and vehicular movement in and around the junction require the services of more police personnel,” a city police officer said, requesting anonymity.
A former senior official, meanwhile, said the demand for a new police station for Vyttila sounded justified as the proposed limits cover a hub of human activity and suburban pockets. “New police stations are often established in response to public demand. The proposals are sent to the State Police Chief, and decisions will be taken following proper study,” the officer said. He, however, cited practical difficulties, mainly financial burden on the government, in opening a new station as it requires the creation of around 40 posts, besides setting up the required infrastructure.
Published – July 15, 2026 11:16 pm IST
