Kochi : State human rights commission (SHRC) has directed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to complete the construction of a pedestrian underpass between Marottichodu and Edappally Market on NH 66 within two months.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the order after taking suo motu cognisance of news reports regarding the severe difficulties faced by pedestrians attempting to cross the busy highway. The issue arose after an existing zebra crossing and an elevated footbridge were disrupted to accommodate the ongoing construction of an underpass-cum-flyover near Oberon Mall in Edappally. The removal of these crossings left local pedestrians with no safe route to cross the highway, prompting public outcry over road safety. SHRC registered a case and demanded detailed action reports from key govt bodies, including the NHAI project director, the Kochi municipal corporation, the executive engineer of the public works department (PWD), the road safety commissioner, and the district police chief. During the proceedings, the legal counsel representing NHAI informed the commission that an underpass would be constructed to address the safety concerns. Justice Thomas emphasised that the construction work must be completed in a time-bound manner. The commission has ordered NHAI to submit a comprehensive compliance report on the progress within two months. In addition to the commission’s suo motu action, a formal complaint regarding the lack of safe pedestrian access was filed by Alungal George, general convener of the Edappally-Thrikkakara National Highway Footpath Protection Committee. Download the TOI App.