The proposed renovation of the Kozhikode District Jail is expected to provide more cells and improve the comfort facilities of the station. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh
Based on the security audit conducted by the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services Department, a master plan for the renovation of the Kozhikode District Jail will soon be prepared. The process will be supervised by the Department of Public Works (PWD). The department has already completed the preliminary survey work.
The main task is the demolition of weak buildings and cells built several decades ago. Most of the buildings on the 6.96-acre site remain unfit and unable to accommodate the permitted number of inmates. The rainy season continues to be the most risky period with broken ceilings and damaged walls.
According to officials, more facilities will have to be provided for the authorized strength of 225 inmates. Despite limited facilities, the Kozhikode jail now houses about 300 people. Day-to-day administration also faces many obstacles with limited equipment.
Now there are only 19 cells in the prison, which was built in 1861. Many cells now hold more than the allowed number. The number of comfort stations is also not enough to meet the actual requirements.
Sources in the prisons department say that lack of facilities often forces authorities to shift remand prisoners to jails in neighboring districts. Similarly, inmates are often moved to other prisons during emergency renovations, they add.
The Public Works Department was asked to prepare a report on the project after the prison authorities raised serious concerns over repeated incidents or attempts to escape from the jail.
According to officials, speedy implementation of the proposals to open rural jails in Puthuppadi and Vadakara will also be essential to reduce congestion in the Kozhikode district jail. They say that the project has already been approved by the government, but the main problem in timely implementation remains finances.
Published – 1 Jan 2026 19:54 IST
