Hidden stop sign behind overgrowth triggers accidents in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Accidents continue to plague the Navayikkulam junction, where a stop sign has been rendered invisible after being swallowed by thick overgrowth, leaving motorists unaware that they must halt before merging.

Residents say repeated complaints to officials have yielded no action, even as mishaps occur right in front of them. Ironically, the obscured signboard stands directly opposite the Navayikkulam panchayat office, at the point where vehicles from Irupathettam Mile join the busy Kattupalam stretch.

With the sign fully concealed by dense shrubs, most drivers fail to notice the stop requirement. Locals say accidents have become routine. In the most recent incident, a motorcyclist was injured after a two-wheeler and an autorickshaw collided while the auto was taking a turn from the Pallikkal road.

The junction handles heavy traffic, especially from vehicles entering and exiting the national highway or diverting through Irupathettam Mile during congestion. Though a signboard was installed to regulate movement, it has become ineffective as vegetation has been left unchecked.