MLA Uma Thomas
Kochi : Following the death of a software employee in a road accident near Kuzhikkattumoola on Nov 4, Uma Thomas MLA convened an emergency safety meeting at the district collector’s chamber. The meeting identified reckless racing by private buses and narrow roads as primary causes of the accident. Key departments agreed on immediate measures to ensure pedestrian and commuter safety.
All buses must display the Kochi city traffic police’s ‘Traffic Eye’ WhatsApp helpline (6238100100), enabling the public to report overspeeding. 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.
Our goal is to ensure such tragedies never happen again,” MLA Uma Thomas said. Authorities will study converting roads around the collectorate, specifically the stretch from IMG Junction to InfoPark, into a one-way system. The motor vehicles department (MVD) will revise bus timetables to curb racing. Private bus drivers must possess a police clearance certificate (PCC), and conductors must hold valid licences. Bus owners will be held accountable for severe traffic violations by their staff and must verify drivers’ background records. Private buses must adhere to the high court-mandated speed limit of 35km/h. Roads will be widened by acquiring land from institutions like KBPS and the collectorate, with the Thrikkakara municipality constructing replacement boundary walls. Unused utility poles and cables along the road will be cleared, and dedicated footpaths will be built for pedestrians. “This meeting will be followed by a review in one week to track progress. The meeting was attended by district collector G Priyanka, additional district magistrate K Manoj, Thrikkakara municipal chairperson Rashida Ullampalli, standing committee chairs, councillors, and officials from the police, PWD, Kochi Metro, NATPAC, and MVD. Download the TOI App.