Even as the Public Works Department is busy with the maintenance and widening of several city roads, the work to replace damaged or dangerously placed electric posts along the roads is yet to draw the attention of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). As a result, incidents of vehicles ramming these posts are on the rise.
The Mavoor road, which has witnessed a series of renovation works in recent times, is one of the several roads where danger lurks in the form of dangerously placed electric posts. Though the KSEB sources hint that the work to shift all such posts is under way in several locations, it is progressing at a snail’s pace.
Many accidentsKoolimadu and Mukkam routes witnessed a series of accidents recently as light and heavy motor vehicles hit the posts that remain on the road after the widening works. Local residents complain that even damaged posts are not replaced on time.
Though the roads are wide enough in some spots, overtaking vehicles often hit the posts that jut out on the roads. Though no death has been reported in such accidents, many, especially two-wheeler riders, have sustained serious injuries in the accidents.
Several roads in and around East Hill, West Hill, Chakkorathukulam, Karaparamba, Elathur and Athanikkal have electric posts that obstruct safe journey. However, the pleas of the residents to address the issue have not evoked the desired response. The chances of vehicles hitting these posts and leading to electrocution of passengers or pedestrians could not be ruled out, said a resident of Elathur.
