All dividers on roads across the state, which have been constructed in an unscientific manner, will either be removed or modified, Works Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said here at a press conference on Thursday.
The decision comes in the aftermath of the Chala tanker tragedy which led to the death of 19 people in Kannur. The minister said that a sum of Rs 57.13 lakh had been sanctioned to improve the security on roads across the state. More than 300 ‘black spots’ which are prone to accidents have been identified across the state and these will be repaired soon, he said. A sum of Rs 33.13 crore has been allotted to repair or remove poorly constructed dividers out of which, Rs 12.46 cr would be spent on works in Kannur where the Chala disaster occurred. All illegal encroachments and advertising hoardings along the national highway will be removed, he said, adding that signal lights would be installed at
all important city junctions.
Committees to ensure road safety would be formed in all cities which would consist of the district collector, PWD officials and motor vehicle inspectors. A meeting of PWD assistant engineers would also be convened in Ernakulam as part of the Road Safety Audit. The safety corridor initiative, for the installation of cameras along highways would be implemented all across the state.
He also announced that a sum of Rs 10 crore had been allotted to carry out repairs on the Thazhechovva-Puthiyatheru road in Kannur while Rs 2 crore will be spent for the widening of the Chala-Nadal Bypass.