Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan writes to Centre to hold a detailed review of safety measures on NH 66

Close on the heels of the tragic accident at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur that claimed the lives of eight students, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging a comprehensive review of safety measures on the national highways in Keralam. The Chief Minister also sought strict regulations to curb the unscientific and illegal parking of vehicles, including heavy vehicles, in areas where national highway construction is under way.

The letter urged the Union Minister to direct the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to conduct an immediate, independent and comprehensive safety review of all stretches of NH-66 where construction is in progress. The review should examine the adequacy of temporary traffic diversions, road lighting, warning signs, reflective markings, barricades, delineators, crash barriers and other safety arrangements, particularly at locations where traffic is being shifted from the original carriageway.