Kerala HC raps authorities over road safety failures, reckless driving of heavy vehicles

The Kerala High Court has criticized state authorities for failing to improve roads, footpaths and curb irresponsible driving of heavy vehicles.

Justice Devan Ramachandran directed the Kochi Corporation and the Kochi Police Commissioner to report on the steps taken to resolve the issues related to roads, street lights and footpaths. In addition, the court ordered the National Highways Authority of India to file a statement on the status and conditions of construction of the highway on the Edapally-Chavakkad section.

The amicus curiae informed the court that heavy vehicles, including private buses, use public roads “recklessly”, posing a threat to every road user.

The court took note of a recent incident where an employee of a private bus allegedly assaulted a passenger in a car. The police informed the court that necessary measures were taken against the employee in connection with the incident.

Regular campaigns

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) informed the court that regular campaigns would be conducted to reduce road accidents in the city, especially involving heavy vehicles. The police would subject private bus drivers and employees to police verification and issue “character certificates” accordingly. The court noted that heavy vehicles have a duty to exercise care and ensure that other road users are not injured.

Expressing displeasure, the court observed that despite the recorded assurances of the concerned authorities, due importance was not given to road safety, especially at pedestrian crossings, pedestrian zones and other highly populated places.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 09:45 IST