THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pedestrian deaths accounted for 26.5% — over one-fourth — of the total fatalities in road accidents in Kerala between 2018 and 2022. As per a study by the NATPAC (National Transportation Planning and Research Centre) based on the data, the state has 400 pedestrian vulnerable corridors — sections of roads where risks to pedestrians are exceptionally high — spanning a total 555.81 km.
The study said more than 5,100 pedestrians died in road crashes in Kerala between 2018 and 2022 in these corridors. The NATPAC analysis also found that 62% of the 400 corridors lacked basic pedestrian facilities like footpaths and zebra crossings, further elevating risks.
As per the Road Crash Statistics of the State Crime Records Bureau, Kerala Police — which was referred for the NATPAC study — as many as 19,468 people died and 2,11,534 were injured in 1,86,375 road accidents in Kerala from 2018 to 2022. Kerala ranked third in India when it came to total road accidents.
Unsafe
247 of 400 corridors have no facilities like zebra crossing, footpath or foot overbridge
262 corridors of 400 in rural areas 138 in urban areas
163 are part of NHs 100 are part of state highways
5,100 pedestrian deaths reported in the 400 corridors between 2018 and 2022
Experts behind the study have urged policymakers to shift from isolated “black spot” remedies to more comprehensive, corridor-based interventions. These targeted measures, they argue, will help allocate resources effectively and address root causes of pedestrian vulnerability—urban design flaws, inadequate infrastructure and enforcement gaps.
V S Sanjay Kumar, scientist in charge of traffic engineering and safety division of NATPAC, who is spearheading the study, said the report will be completed and submitted to the government by March 2026. “Pedestrian safety must be tackled beyond isolated black spots,” he said.
Experts stress on infra, awareness
“Instead, this must be addressed along the entire corridor. Identifying vulnerable corridors ensures that limited resources are directed where they can save the most lives,” Sanjay said.
NATPAC experts recommend infrastructure, enforcement and awareness to improve road safety. “Footpaths should have guardrails and built at a height of at least 50 cm from the road level. There should be well-defined footpaths, zebra markings, signalled pedestrian crossings and site specific interventions. Also awareness is key and should be a continuous process,” Sanjay said.