Dangerous driving raises concerns over the newly widened NH 66 in Kozhikode

Sudden lane change and reckless overtaking are common along the Malaparamba–Thondayad stretch of National Highway 66 in Kozhikode district. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

Despite frequent safety warnings from the police and the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), sudden lane change and indiscriminate overtaking by some motorists has again started endangering road users on the newly widened National Highway 66 in Kozhikode district. In the absence of point enforcement, the right lane, intended for overtaking, continues to be used as a lane by many motorists.

Commuters have cited the illegal entry of private buses on the restricted stretch of the widened state highway as one of the biggest threats to the safety of other light motor vehicles on the six-lane road. Exceeding speed limits by heavy vehicles at the entrances and exits connected to the high-speed corridor also remains undetected

“A few months ago, the highway squads used to conduct regular patrols to detect illegal parking along the highway. With reduced vigilance, several stretches have turned into illegal parking spots, endangering other vehicles traveling at high speed,” says CP Vineeth, a supervisor working near the Pantheerankavu toll plaza for FASTag activation. He points out that the majority of such unexpected obstacles are motorcycle riders.

A retired traffic police officer who frequently travels between Kozhikode and Kannur points out that many drivers are yet to familiarize themselves with the safety rules governing the six-lane highway. Sudden lane changes and speed limit violations have proven to be life-threatening problems on the reconstructed road, he adds.

Delays in the removal of broken down vehicles and accident participants are also a threat to road safety. Gopinath Pulikkal, a rescue van operator, says there are no helpline numbers displayed on the highway to help road users in distress. According to him, many people are forced to wait for hours for help due to delays in getting permission from authorities to display helpline numbers.

“Illegal parking of heavy trucks along the Koyilandy-Vadakara state highway continues unchecked. When residents questioned the drivers about the dangerous practice, they accused the authorities of not providing dedicated parking facilities for interstate trucks,” says Sadik Ali, an employee at a petrol station in Koyilandy. He points out that local police on night patrols rarely intervene against such dangerous parking.

Meanwhile, MVD and police unit officials said a more intensive action plan is being prepared to detect irresponsible driving on the national highway using radar camera-equipped interceptors. They add that efforts are underway to activate all surveillance cameras along the completed sections of the highway due to repeated violations.

Published – 06 Sep 2026 20:02 IST