At a quick glance, it is an accident caused by overspeeding. A scooter rammed into a KSRTC bus, killing the rider – a 25-year-old man, his 5-year-old son and grievously injuring his wife. A deeper understanding of the issue reveals a tussle between National Highway Authority of India and the local people near Gurunagar in Kulathoor.
As per design, no bus stops are allowed at the national highway where vehicles can move at a speed of 80-100 kmph. In the accident that happened on Tuesday, the scooter rammed into the KSRTC bus when it immediately stopped at an unauthorized bus stop at Gurunagar. Rajesh and his son Ritwik died on spot while his wife Suchitha is undergoing treatment at Medical College hospital.
The NHAI and the local people have been on loggerheads ever since NHAI began construction in the area. Demanding construction of a pedestrian underpass, the local people had disrupted service road construction, following which NHAI removed it from the scope of work of the contractor – KNR Constructions. However, considering the traffic issues in the area, the NHAI decided to restart work. In order to form a consensus with the local protestors, the NHAI has sent a letter to Mayor Arya Rajendran on September 7 seeking intervention. However, sources in NHAI said that they didn’t even get a reply to the letter.
Due to disruption of work of service road, the buses are stopping at the Gurunagar area ahead of a sharp curve. Last week, a pedestrian was killed after he was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road.
According to Medayil Vikraman, former councillor of Pawndukadavu and existing councillor of Pallithura, the road work will not be allowed unless NHAI confirms construction of underpass in the area. “Around 3000 people living in the area have to cross the NH to reach their schools, hospitals, temple etc. We have been demanding a pedestrian underpass at this area for a long time. Now there is another underpass coming up for phase III campus of Technopark, while our request is being ignored,” he said.
NHAI officials said that the underpass at Technopark is being undertaken as state government agreed to fund it. “It is not possible to construct a new underpass at Gurunagar. Considering the pedestrian demand, we agreed to construct a footoverbridge, but it was not acceptable for the protestors,” said an official.
Vikraman said that pedestrians will not use footover bridge due to the height difference from the ground level.
Due to the ongoing tussle, several motorists and pedestrians are losing their lives. Delay in construction of drain near the service road is also causing water logging in the area.
Vikraman said that he would meet PWD Minister Mohammed Riyas to apprise him of the situation.
Jisha Surya is a media professional with over a decade of experience in various media houses including The New Indian Express and Times of India. She covers city infrastructure, social issues, and lifestyle stories.
