Kerala forms district panels to boost highway safety after accidents

The Kerala government has decided to form district-level special committees, headed by Collectors, to address safety issues on National Highways and prevent accidents. The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

The committees will assess construction quality and safety measures on highways in their districts and submit reports to the state government. The move comes in the wake of recent tragic road accidents in Thrissur, Malappuram, and Alappuzha.

At the meeting, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), police, the Motor Vehicles department, and district collectors reviewed the causes of the accidents and decided on immediate safety measures.

Short-term steps include installing warning signage, barriers, lighting, and reflectors on under-construction and completed stretches of highways, including National Highway 66. Strict action will be taken against illegal roadside parking, and black spots will receive temporary safety arrangements within 15 days.

For the long term, the government will implement the Wayside Amenities (WSA) scheme, which will provide fuel stations, rest areas, food courts, restrooms, parking, and repair facilities along highways. Foot over bridges will be built near schools and other important locations. Night speed checks and inspections will be intensified.

The Minister said the Public Works department prioritises road safety and that a joint monitoring system with NHAI and other departments will be established. He assured that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent further loss of life on the roads.