Kerala to enforce stricter road safety norms as NH-66 nears completion

The Kerala government has announced a comprehensive push for road safety across the state, with particular focus on National Highway 66, where the four-lane expansion is in its final stages. Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer stated on Saturday that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been directed to implement lasting solutions to prevent overspeeding, improve lighting, and rectify unscientific traffic arrangements before the stretch is opened to full traffic.

The directive follows a series of recent accidents on the highway, including a fatal incident at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur on Friday and multiple crashes on the Thiruvananthapuram Bypass. Minister Basheer said the issue will be escalated to the NHAI and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to ensure immediate action.

A key concern raised by the Minister is the recurring pattern of vehicles ramming parked vehicles. He made it clear that unscientific parking will not be permitted and instructed the police to take strict action against violators. The government is prioritising the safety of local residents and motorists, insisting that all safety infrastructure—including cameras, speed detectors, adequate lighting, and properly designed service roads—must be operational at the same time the highway is opened.

Minister Basheer also reminded officials and contractors that public safety at construction sites is a mandatory responsibility. He called for proper barricades, warning boards, and clearly visible night-time safety systems. Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution while driving through construction zones.