Pathanamthitta: A set of broken iron rods lying across a busy footpath in the town has turned into a safety hazard for pedestrians. The rods, part of a railing installed along the footpath opposite the Mini Civil Station, have become rusty and detached, now lying dangerously close to the roadside.

The stretch is one of the busiest in town, used by people visiting the Mini Civil Station and nearby commercial establishments. With traffic rerouted through this road due to the ongoing construction of the Abaan overbridge, the movement of heavy vehicles, including buses, has increased significantly.

Pedestrians often step onto the footpath to avoid passing vehicles, putting themselves at greater risk. Recently, a man walking along the stretch narrowly escaped injury when a protruding iron rod tore his shirt, according to motorists who witnessed the incident.
Residents and commuters have urged authorities to urgently repair and reinstall the damaged railings to ensure pedestrian safety.