Broadway in Kochi gears up for Onam amid lingering fire safety concerns
Broadway in Kochi is preparing for the Onam festival season despite ongoing concerns regarding fire safety. Local authorities have failed to implement promised fire hydrant installations due to water supply limitations, leaving the congested commercial area vulnerable.
Why it matters
The lack of infrastructure in high-density commercial zones poses a significant risk to public safety and economic stability during peak shopping periods.
With the Onam sales season around the corner, Broadway, the commercial nerve centre of Kochi city, is busy stocking up on goods in anticipation of a surge in customer footfall. However, the sales hub’s long-pending safety concerns, especially regarding potential fire outbreaks, remain largely unaddressed.
No concrete measures have been taken to mitigate damage in the event of another fire on the congested streets, with government intervention remaining limited to routine communications. Though the District Collector had instructed Kerala Water Authority (KWA) officials to install fire hydrants in Broadway without delay following a major fire at Koluthara Bazaar in December 2025, the proposal now appears unlikely to be implemented.
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