Cops step up highway surveillance

KOCHI: Commuters through the newly laid four-lane highway between Kalamassery and Vallarpadom International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) can now heave a sigh of relief as the city police have started additional police patrolling through the route to ward off anti-social elements.The police have strengthened the surveillance on the route as there have been reports on attempts made by certain anti-social elements to stop vehicles and loot money from travellers.“We have received information on some groups. We have started to monitor the route closely but so far we have not come across any incident of highway robbery,” Assistant Commissioner of Police C A Anto said.He said that the police had already launched day and night patrolling through the deserted  area. “The entire route wears a deserted look. Except for a few passenger vehicles, it is mostly container lorries that ply through the route,” Anto said.Meanwhile, police sources said that the drivers of container lorries had complained about gangs threatening lorry drivers and forcibly taking money from them. There have been incidents in and around Kalamassery where  people were attacked while  travelling alone. The Kalamassery police have strengthened night patrolling through the roads.Two-wheeler riders and four-wheeler drivers have been advised not to stop their vehicles on seeing strangers, particularly during the night.  In case of an emergency, travellers are advised to call the nearest police station or police highway helpline.