NH 66, NH 544 safety lapses in Thrissur will be fixed in a month: NHAI

The remains of a car that was involved in an accident, claiming the lives of eight engineering students at Kaipamangalam, Thrissur. | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB In the wake of the fatal Kaipamangalam accident, which claimed eight lives, the authorities have been given a deadline of a month to rectify safety deficiencies identified along National Highways 66 and 544 in Thrissur district. NHAI project directors said at a review meeting, chaired by Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh, that the lapses would be addressed within the deadline.The review meeting assessed the progress of construction, maintenance, upgrades and safety measures on the two highways. Safety lapses, waterlogging and difficulties faced by pedestrians came up for discussion.The NHAI project directors told the meeting that deficiencies identified during a joint inspection by the police, Motor Vehicles department, local bodies, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) would be rectified within a month.Drainage, waterloggingThe meeting also demanded urgent action to address drainage and waterlogging. A joint team comprising local body engineers and officials, NHAI representatives and PWD Roads officials will inspect the affected locations and prepare estimates, which will be verified by the district panchayat executive engineer before being submitted to the district administration.At construction and traffic-diversion stretches, warning boards and lighting would be installed immediately. NHAI said streetlights and other lighting arrangements would be provided within two weeks. High-intensity warning signs visible from a distance and signboards displaying local place names were also recommended.The police pointed out that low-quality reflective stickers were being used at some diversion points instead of high-grade-intensity material. A field inspection will also be conducted at the Paliyekkara toll plaza following complaints of long queues. Representatives of the police, NHAI, district administration and contractors will jointly inspect the site.10 foot overbridgesThe NHAI informed the meeting that 10 foot overbridges have been sanctioned on NH 66. Those at Vadanappally and Thalikulam have been completed, while construction is under way at Valapad, Engandiyur and Edakkazhiyur. The five remaining bridges have not yet been taken up. The NHAI said the ongoing works would be completed by October 15.A joint team of the police, Motor Vehicles department, Revenue department and NHAI will identify suitable locations for parking heavy vehicles, including trucks and lorries, within a week. The Minister directed the police and RTO to take stringent action against traffic violations and asked the NHAI to submit a report with clear timelines for the various works. Published - September 15, 2026 10:32 pm IST