Keralam to constitute district-level committees in three days to strengthen highway safety

A high-level meeting chaired by Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer here on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) decided to constitute district-level special committees headed by Collectors within three days to identify and address safety issues on National Highways and prevent accidents. The committees will assess the construction and safety measures on highways in their respective districts and submit reports to the government.Briefing the media after the meeting, Mr. Basheer said the State government was taking the recent tragic road accidents in Thrissur, Malappuram and Alappuzha very seriously. Against the backdrop of the accidents, a high-level meeting was convened with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials, police, officials of the Motor Vehicles department and district collectors. The causes of the accidents were assessed and safety measures to be implemented immediately were decided in the meeting.Immediate measuresWarning signage, barriers, lighting and reflectors will be installed soon at the under-construction and completed stretches on the national highways including National Highway 66. Strict action will be taken to prevent illegal parking of vehicles on the roadside. Short-term safety arrangements will be arranged at black spots within 15 days, said the Minister.Long-term measuresWayside amenities (WSA) scheme will be implemented for facilities including parking for vehicles (the scheme aims to offer a range of facilities along National Highways, including fuel stations, designated rest areas, food courts, clean restrooms, parking spaces for vehicles, vehicle repair shops and puncture repair facilities). Foot over bridges will be constructed at important places, especially at school premises. Inspection against overspeeding and illegal parking will be strengthened. Additionally, the meeting also decided to hold special speed checks and inspections at night.Stressing the priority of the Public Works department to make roads safe, the Minister said a joint monitoring system will be set up with NHAI and other departments. The government will take all measures to prevent a recurrence of loss of lives due to accidents on the roads, he said. Published - September 08, 2026 07:00 pm IST