Thrissur road accident: Collector orders urgent safety audit of national highways

In the wake of the devastating road accident at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur that claimed eight lives, District Collector Shikha Surendran has ordered an urgent joint inspection of national highways across Thrissur district.

A special team comprising the NHAI project director, police, Motor Vehicles department and representatives of local self-government bodies will carry out the inspection and submit a detailed report by Wednesday (September 9, 2026) evening.

The audit will focus on potential safety hazards along national highways, particularly stretches affected by ongoing construction and diversions.

Officials will examine road maintenance, potholes, waterlogging, the condition and level of footpaths, lighting on service roads and the availability of reflective warning signs. The team will also check whether construction materials have been dumped carelessly along roadsides, whether adequate barricading has been put in place and whether sufficient traffic wardens are deployed at vulnerable locations.

Illegal parking will also come under close scrutiny.