Kottayam: The newly installed red alert light at the hazardous turn in the Kannimala region is expected to significantly reduce accidents during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Vehicles carrying pilgrims from other states are now slowing down along this dangerous stretch.

Red tube lights have been installed at the Madapadi turn and surrounding areas, which are notorious for frequent accidents during the pilgrimage season. The lights serve as a warning, prompting vehicles to reduce speed and lowering the risk of mishaps.

Despite these measures, a bus carrying pilgrims met with an accident at the start of this year's pilgrimage season on November 28. Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu sustained minor injuries when the bus lost control, rammed a crash barrier, and came to a precarious halt without falling into the gorge.

Security in the area was intensified following the death of a 10-year-old girl in an accident on December 16, 2022. Since then, crash barriers and granite barriers have been installed to prevent vehicles from plunging into the gorge. However, accidents continued to occur during subsequent pilgrimage seasons, highlighting the persistent risks along this stretch.

Police have been deployed at night at the point where the steep decline begins at the Madampadi turn. Vehicles are stopped and warned before being allowed to proceed. An ambulance service has also been stationed in the area to handle emergencies.

Overspeeding by vehicles carrying pilgrim groups from other States remains the main cause of accidents here. All possible precautionary measures have now been implemented, and authorities are now hopeful that accidents will no longer occur.