Protesters at Kaipamangalam demands action on NH 66 safety lapses

The meeting held at Kaipamangalam on Tuesday to protest the death of eight students in an accident on NH 66 recently | Photo Credit: NAJEEB KK A protest meeting held at Kaipamangalam on Tuesday demanded that the contract company carrying out work on National Highway 66 strictly follow safety guidelines and that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) closely monitor the work.Addressing the gathering, Kaipamangalam MLA K. K. Valsaraj alleged that serious lapses in the implementation and monitoring of safety measures had contributed to the recent string of accidents in the area, including the horrific crash that claimed the lives of eight engineering students. “Work on NH 66 is being carried out through thickly populated areas. But the contract company is not following the safety rules and guidelines required for work in such locations. The NHAI has a responsibility to ensure that these safety measures are being implemented. But they are failing to do so,” he said.He alleged that the lapses had contributed to the Kaipamangalam tragedy, in which eight engineering students were killed after their car crashed into a parked goods vehicle.The MLA also raised concerns over the parking of container lorries and vehicles belonging to the construction company along the national highway. “Container lorries and even vehicles belonging to the contract company are being parked on the highway itself. There has been no proper patrolling either by the police or by the National Highways Authority. Such lapses have contributed to these tragedies,” he alleged.Warning boardsValsaraj said adequate warning boards should be installed well ahead of diversions leading to service roads. “Warning boards should be placed at least 200 metres before a diversion to a service road. Such warnings were absent at the accident spot at Kaipamangalam,” he said.He also accused the authorities of repeatedly failing to translate assurances into action. “Whenever meetings are held with elected representatives and NHAI officials, they agree to strengthen safety measures. But these decisions are rarely implemented,” he alleged.According to the MLA, as many as 10 people have lost their lives in road accidents in Kaipamangalam alone over the past 10 days. The protest meeting also highlighted the difficulties faced by residents living along the newly developed highway corridor. They pointed out that several local communities had been left without convenient access to the other side of the highway.Valsaraj cited the example of 28 families at Kizhakkumparam, who, he said, have no proper access road to move in and out of their locality. “There is no service road in the area. Residents are therefore forced to cross the highway, putting their lives at risk. Such situations frequently lead to accidents,” he said.The MLA further said poor lighting along stretches of the national highway was another major safety concern and was contributing to accidents, particularly at night. Published - September 08, 2026 08:44 pm IST