In the wake of the devastating road accident at Kaipamangalam in Thrissur that claimed eight lives, District Collector Shikha Surendran has ordered an urgent joint inspection of national highways across Thrissur district.

A special team comprising the NHAI project director, police, Motor Vehicles department and representatives of local self-government bodies will carry out the inspection and submit a detailed report by Wednesday (September 9, 2026) evening.

Safety hazards

The audit will focus on potential safety hazards along national highways, particularly stretches affected by ongoing construction and diversions.

Officials will examine road maintenance, potholes, waterlogging, the condition and level of footpaths, lighting on service roads and the availability of reflective warning signs. The team will also check whether construction materials have been dumped carelessly along roadsides, whether adequate barricading has been put in place and whether sufficient traffic wardens are deployed at vulnerable locations.

Illegal parking will also come under close scrutiny.

The inspection will further assess the structural stability of construction works, safety arrangements for schoolchildren crossing busy roads and facilities available for pedestrians.

Special inspection

A separate special inspection will be led by the Motor Vehicles department.

The Local Self-Government department has meanwhile directed secretaries of all local bodies to carry out road-safety inspections in their respective jurisdictions.

The Collector also instructed the police and the RTO to intensify their special drive against illegal parking. Officials have been asked to register FIRs and take strict action wherever necessary.