Over 1,000 pedestrian deaths in Kerala road accidents a year, NHAI plans 30 FOBs on NH 66 at ₹45cr
Malappuram reported 778 accidents involving pedestrians, 88 deaths and 731 injuries, while Thrissur recorded 564 accidents, 71 deaths and 532 injuries, the highest in the state.
Malappuram reported 778 accidents involving pedestrians, 88 deaths and 731 injuries, while Thrissur recorded 564 accidents, 71 deaths and 532 injuries, the highest in the state.
Malappuram reported 778 accidents involving pedestrians, 88 deaths and 731 injuries, while Thrissur recorded 564 accidents, 71 deaths and 532 injuries, the highest in the state.
Kochi: With pedestrian deaths in road accidents becoming a growing concern in Kerala, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has finalised a plan to construct over 30 Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) along the 120-km Kodungallur–Ramanattukara stretch of National Highway 66 in Malappuram and Thrissur. The selection of sites has been based on specific region-related concerns.
As many as 1,129 pedestrians died in road accidents in the state as per the latest accident data published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). For the second consecutive year, Kerala has recorded the highest pedestrian fatalities on PWD-run NH 288. In 2022, 329 pedestrians died on NH under the state PWD. Figures on accident deaths in million-plus cities were even alarming.
Malappuram reported 778 accidents involving pedestrians, 88 deaths and 731 injuries, while Thrissur recorded 564 accidents, 71 deaths and 532 injuries, the highest in the state. These figures highlight why districts like Malappuram and Thrissur, where NH-66 cuts through thickly populated areas, have been pressing for foot over bridges for years.
In the first phase, five FOBs will be constructed on the Ramanattukara–Valancherry stretch, where the six-laning project is being executed by KNR Constructions. The selected sites are University of Calicut, Kohinoor, Vellimukku, Kolappuram and Randathani, all identified as high-risk zones where thousands of pedestrians—including students, commuters, and worshippers—cross the highway daily.
Each bridge will be made of steel and designed to be 45 m long, 2 m wide, and 5.5 m high. Each of them has an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore. NHAI has set a target of six months for completion.
The locations were picked by NHAI to address specific safety concerns:
- Calicut University: To safeguard students, teachers and the public.
- Kohinoor: Schools and multiple religious institutions nearby.
- Vellimukku: Busy crossing point for students and local commuters.
- Kolappuram: Essential for AR Nagar HSS, which has more than 4,000 students.
- Randathani: To ensure safe passage for residents.
NHAI sources said proposals for another 25 FOBs are ready and awaiting approval. “Highway development is progressing rapidly in Kerala, but these roads pass through densely populated areas. Pedestrian safety cannot be compromised, and FOBs are inevitable,” an official said.
One major challenge is land availability, as each bridge requires a 5x5 metre footprint on both sides. In congested stretches, engineers are tweaking designs to make the structures fit within the available space.
“For Thrissur and Malappuram, districts that already bear the heaviest pedestrian toll, the upcoming bridges are expected to finally provide safer passage for people across the busy highway corridor,” said the official.