Kozhikode: PWD to level road edges before February

KOZHIKODE: The Public Works department (PWD) is yet to act on the edges of the road that are abnormally high compared to the soil level. DC had reported about the unscientific way in which the PWD had carried out renovation works where the edges of the road were a death trap for vehicles, especially two-wheelers. The department said that though re-tarring works come under the periodic renewal section, which was being carried out every three years, the levelling of the edges with that of the soil level comes under the road safety section.

However, the officials agreed to carry out the works before February. “Since the levelling of edges comes under road safety work, unlike the periodic renewal, such works need extra funds. The department has identified some areas that needs immediate attention. In some areas, the soil eroded in rain, which made the roads more dangerous. However, we expect to complete such repair works before February,” said executive engineer Vinaya Raj.

In some of the roads, where accidents were common, a group of volunteers under ‘Team Clean Beach’ had carried out levelling works. The condition was worse on Gandhi Road and Valiyangadi, says Arun Das K.S., one of the volunteers. They said that bikers were vulnerable often as a result of overtaking where the road becomes narrow. More than 25 such incidents had taken place in different parts of the city this year, though none of them were fatal, they said.