Aroor-Thuravoor NH 66: Kerala High Court steps in to ensure safety of pedestrians, motorists

The Amicus Curiae appointed by Kerala High Court to study traffic woes and mounting safety concerns at the Aroor-Thuravoor National Highway (NH-66) has suggested measures to address the issue [CP Ajithkumar & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors.]..Amicus Curiae advocate S Vinod Bhat conducted an inspection of the 12.5 km Aroor-Thuravoor NH stretch on July 4 and also met with the concerned NHAI officials and the contractor carrying out the road work.The inspection report submitted by the amicus outlined three primary recommendations:Laying a minimum 3.5 m wide motorable road in both directions, which may be used by motorists;Constructing a 1.5 m wide pathway along the stretch for pedestrians.Implementing drainage solutions to address waterlogging.Aroor-Thuravoor stretch of NH 66 has been in news of late due to the work being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as part of expanding the north-south highway into a six lane road. Single-judge Justice Devan Ramachandran had taken note of the issues arising due to the same on July 1, after the amicus curiae drew attention to the horrific condition of the NH along the Aroor-Thuravoor stretch.The Court came to consider the issue while hearing one of its longest pending writ petitions, first moved in 2008, regarding road maintenance. .Bhat had on July 1 informed the court that while work is being conducted to create an elevated highway, alternatives for motorists and pedestrians have been completely neglected. The problem had worsened due to the ongoing monsoons and accidents were happening frequently in the area, the Court was told.At the time, the Court had warned that alternatives should be ensured for motorists and pedestrians when the NHAI commences any roadwork.Further, it had also requested the amicus to inspect the site and propose measures to mitigate the inconvenience caused to motorists and pedestrians who have to travel by the NH-66 stretch..Towards this end, the Amicus Curiae conducted an inspection of the Aroor-Thuravoor NH stretch on July 4. He then prepared the report incorporating his suggestions.The NHAI Project Manager assured that work to implement these measures would commence on July 5. However, a follow-up inspection revealed limited progress, with only a short section of the pedestrian pathway completed and no work started on the proposed motorable road.The amicus curiae's report also mentioned that due to rainfall, the area had waterlogging and school children were seen walking through the slush..When the matter was heard on July 17, the amicus submitted that while some further steps had been taken, he was not included in a key meeting held on July 12 despite the Court's mandate for his presence.Bhat added that according to a report by the Alappuzha District Collector, measures to divert traffic and ease congestion were being taken and the construction of the pedestrian pathway and motorable roads were to be finished by July 16.Senior Government Pleader KV Manoj Kumar confirmed that the District Collector is complying with the Court's directive. He suggested that the amicus could be taken to the site to ensure that the work is being completed..The Court, in turn, directed the District Collector to cooperate with the amicus curiae during his visit to verify if the work has been completed. The District Administration was directed to make all necessary arrangements, and the Collector was asked to file a report as well. The matter will be heard next on July 24. .[Read Order]