Top

Thiruvananthapuram city roads turn killer fields

HR panel seeks urgent govt intervention.

Thiruvananthapuram: With as many as 22 pedestrians being killed in the state capital alone over the last three years, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the government to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Commission acting chairperson P Mohanadas gave the directive after considering a petition filed by Thiruvananthapuram native Ragam Rahim. The Commission also issued notices to PWD secretary and PWD roads wing chief engineering directing them to give a report within two weeks on the steps being taken.

According to Mr. Rahim, police statistics indicate that 22 pedestrians, mainly morning walkers, were killed in road accidents in the state capital over the last three years. Former speaker Varkala Radhakrishnan was also among the morning walkers killed in accidents. Mr. Rahim urged that all major roads should have footpaths that were sufficiently raised and guarded with rails. But according to a statement from the commission, there were allegations that railings for footpaths were not installed at many places for the convenience of traders. Most of the accidents took place between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. The traffic police had stated drowsiness of drivers, lack of proper streetlights and rash driving as major reasons.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
Next Story