In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has strongly criticized the poor condition of roads in the state, stating that the priority should not be international-standard roads, but ones that do not cost lives. The court made this observation while addressing a batch of petitions concerning deteriorating roads in Ernakulam.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, presiding over the case, emphasized the need for accountability of engineers responsible for designing and maintaining these roads. His remarks came following the deaths of several young individuals in road accidents in the Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.
The court has demanded that detailed audits be conducted to assess the condition of roads across Kerala, with a focus on identifying areas requiring immediate improvement. It has also called for stricter regulations to ensure that engineers and contractors are held accountable for any lapses in road design or maintenance that lead to accidents.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications, as it underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of poor road conditions in Kerala. The state government has been urged to take swift action to improve road safety and prevent further loss of life due to avoidable accidents.
This is not the first time that the High Court has taken up the issue of road safety. In the past, it has issued stern warnings to the authorities over their failure to maintain roads in a safe condition. However, this latest observation marks a significant escalation in the court’s engagement with the issue, suggesting growing concern over the state of Kerala’s roads and the impact they are having on public safety.
The exact timeline for the implementation of these recommendations remains unclear, but the court has made it clear that it expects swift action from the state government to address this pressing issue. In the meantime, the focus will remain on ensuring that the roads in Kerala are safe and do not pose a threat to the lives of those who use them.
