Thrissur road accident: State to ensure road safety amid recurring incidents on NH, says Keralam Minister

The Keralam government will take measures to ensure safety along the roads in the State, especially amid recurring accidents on National Highway 66, where the construction of the four-lane stretch has entered its final stage, Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer said here on Saturday (September 5, 2026).The Minister said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had been instructed to find a lasting solution to overspeeding, poor lighting, unscientific traffic arrangements and inadequate safety systems, and ensure that all road safety measures are in place before the road is opened.Pointing out the most recent accidents on the national highway involving vehicles ramming parked vehicles, the Minister said unscientific parking would not be allowed and that the police had been instructed to initiate strict action against illegal and unscientific parking.Stating that the government is taking Friday’s accident at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur and the recent accidents on the Thiruvananthapuram Bypass seriously, Mr. Basheer said the issue will be brought to the attention of the NHAI and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, and all necessary safety measures will be taken immediately.Construction of the national highway in the State is nearing completion, with major flyovers and bridges already completed. The Minister said all safety measures, including cameras and speed detectors to curb overspeeding, adequate lighting, scientific traffic arrangements, and properly designed service roads, should be implemented before the highway is opened.The safety of local residents and motorists will be the priority, he said, adding that the safety systems should become operational along with the completion of construction. The Minister also reminded officials and contractors that ensuring public safety at construction sites was their mandatory responsibility. Proper barricades, warning boards, and clearly visible safety systems for night-time should be installed. He also urged motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving through construction zones. Published - September 05, 2026 08:35 pm IST