A recent spate of fatal accidents along the Kazhakuttam-Mukkola Reach I of the National Highway 66 bypass has prompted the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite steps to set up solar-powered traffic signals on the accident-prone corridor.
While the four-laning of the Reach I was in its final phase, the lack of speed control measures in the busy intersections have turned the stretch into a death trap for motorists and pedestrians alike. As many as 13 people have been killed in 12 accidents here since March. Besides, 90 accidents have been reported during the period, official statistics say.
Two persons who were hired on contractual basis by a Technopark-based company died after being hit by a speeding motorcycle a few days ago while they were crossing the road near the Infosys campus. In another incident, a couple was fatally knocked down by a truck at the Kumarichantha junction three weeks ago.
Keltron study
Following the alarming trend, the City police have written to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) seeking steps to establish traffic signals along the route. On the basis of a study, the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron) submitted a proposal to establish traffic signals at five out of the 16 junctions on the stretch in the initial phase.
Traffic signals will come up near the Infosys campus, Enchakkal, Kumarichantha, Vazhamuttom, and Kulathoor. “The Keltron has submitted a proposal for ₹81 lakh for the five signals and the work orders will be issued next week. They have asked permission for cutting the road to lay the cables,” a top NHAI official said.
The signal systems, which will be fully solar-powered, is likely to be made operational within a month, official sources said.
