The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued a directive to the Public Works Department (PWD) to urgently install warning signboards at identified accident-prone black spots along the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila Road. This decision was based on data provided by the Crime Records Bureau. The commission, chaired by Justice Alexander Thomas, took suo motu cognizance of media reports highlighting recurring accidents and traffic safety concerns on this stretch.
Directives Issued by SHRC
The commission also instructed authorities to complete the e-tender procedures for annual maintenance of traffic signal lights across the state within the stipulated time frame. Furthermore, it directed the Chief Engineer of the PWD National Highways Wing to grant administrative sanction without delay to the estimate submitted by the Executive Engineer for marking zebra crossings on the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila Road. These directions were issued to the District Collector, Transport Commissioner, Executive Engineer of the PWD National Highways Wing, and City Police Commissioner.
Background of the Case
During the proceedings, the Regional Transport Officer informed the SHRC that repairs to traffic signals were delayed because the annual maintenance contract with Keltron had not been renewed. Social activist Shanthivila Padmakumar had filed a complaint before the SHRC, seeking urgent intervention to improve road safety measures on the busy highway stretch. In January, the SHRC had directed the District Collector to order an inquiry into the prolonged failure of traffic signal lights at major junctions on the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila Road, citing growing safety concerns and frequent accidents.
Inquiry into Non-Functional Traffic Signals
The SHRC further instructed that the Traffic Assistant Commissioner be tasked with probing why traffic signals at Pravachambalam, Vellayani, and Nemom junctions remained non-functional for a long period. The inquiry should identify those responsible for the lapse and recommend measures to ensure that such failures do not recur. This comprehensive approach aims to address both immediate hazards and systemic issues contributing to road safety risks.
