Safety risks soar as private buses run rampant in Kozhikode city

Private buses in Kozhikode are causing chaos on city roads, with law enforcement turning a blind eye to safety instructions. 250 accidents and 21 fatalities were reported last year, with 2,153 accidents and 193 deaths in 2022. Residents allege police indifference to rule violations and are suspicious of drivers under the influence of drugs. The city council rarely discusses road issues.

Private buses are continuing to cause chaos on Kozhikode city roads, while law enforcement departments have appeared to turn a blind eye to their safety instructions, putting lives of other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians at risk.

Not a single day passes without private bus accidents on city roads. Usually, these buses knock down two-wheeler riders, and occasionally, they crash into each other, like the recent incident at Paroppady on Monday. Both drivers and two passengers were injured, and they are now recovering at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.

Last year, private buses were involved in 250 accidents in Kozhikode city, resulting in 21 fatalities. In 2022, the city reported a staggering 2,153 accidents and 193 deaths on its roads.

The police and the Motor Vehicles department have identified accident-prone areas such as West Hill, Eranhipalam, Feroke, Mokavoor, Vengeri, Cheruvannur, Thondayad, Malaparamba, Pantheerankkavu, Moozhikkal, and Areekad.

However, complaints against the police, especially the Traffic department, are on the rise. They are criticised for their indifference to rash driving, overspeeding, wrong lane usage, overtaking, and flagrant rule violations. This also includes ignoring the rights of other road users, including pedestrians.

Buses using the alternative Florcian Road linking Karikkamkulam- Malaparamba junctions following the six-laning of the Kozhikode Bypass and repair of the culvert on Krishnan Nair road have scant regard for traffic rules. “Despite numerous complaints from residents against rash and dangerous driving by private buses, the police appear reluctant to take stern action,“ K. Ajith, a shopkeeper said.