Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath on Tuesday released a video on pedestrian safety at pedestrian crossings in Thrissur city as part of the ‘Safe Road-Happy Road’ project on St. Thomas College (Autonomous) Thrissur. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB
Student volunteers and faculty coordinators of the ‘Safe Road Happy Road’ project at St. Thomas College (Autonomous) Thrissur conducted a study on pedestrian safety at pedestrian crossings in Thrissur city in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Department.
The study was conducted in the context of road safety becoming a serious concern in the state. The study found that only about 20% of drivers stop their vehicles to let pedestrians cross at crosswalks. According to project coordinator Emmanuel Thomas, pedestrian behavior also needs to change.
“In the context of the study, the ‘Safe Road Happy Road’ project is planning a series of interventions to make our roads safe and happy. This will include improvements to footpaths, signage, road markings and training for students, drivers and the general public. Pedestrian and pelican crossings are also being discussed as part of the project. The project also has a green component, which is expected to earn carbon credits.
Logo launched
A video made as part of the study was released by the patron of the college, Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath on Tuesday. The video is available on MVD and College social networks. The logo project was launched by Deputy Transport Commissioner James MP Amrutha AL, a first year computer science student at the college who designed the logo. Project coordinators Emmanuel Thomas, Dr. Rani Sebastian and Jijo Kuruvila briefed about the project at the event. As part of the project, educational programs for the public, students and drivers will take place.
The goal of the Safe Road Happy Road project is to create a replicable road safety model. As part of the project, the SCMS Institute of Road Safety and Transportation (SiRST) conducted a road safety audit on a one kilometer stretch of road from Swaraj Round to East Fort in 2024 to convert it into a model road.
Subsequently, the project and the audit report were submitted to the Mayor of Thrissur Corporation. The project has received approval from Thrissur Corporation. The project also found a mention in the company’s latest budget with an outlay of ₹ 5 crore on all model roads, Mr. Thomas noted.
Published – 16 Dec 2025 20:58 IST
