Safety upgrades underway at Panayampadam curve to prevent accidents and protect locals.

The Panayampadam curve on NH 966 has long been recognized as a dangerous stretch, with multiple accidents reported over the years. The issue gained urgent attention after a tragic accident in December 2024, when four schoolgirls lost their lives at this very spot. This incident sparked widespread protests and demands for immediate safety interventions from the local community and public representatives.

Immediate Actions

In the aftermath, authorities installed temporary water dividers as a stopgap measure to reduce accident risk. A joint inspection was carried out by officials from the National Highway Authority, Motor Vehicles Department, Revenue, Police, and Panchayat to assess the situation and plan further action.

Planned Safety Improvements

Budget Allocation: ₹1.35 crore has been sanctioned in the first phase for safety upgrades at the curve.

Scope of Work

• Widening the road to provide safer passage for vehicles.

• Installing interlock tiles along the road’s edges for better grip and demarcation.

• Constructing a permanent central divider to prevent head-on collisions.

• Adding an extra layer of tarring to make the road surface more robust and less slippery.

The contract for these works has already been awarded, and instructions have been given for prompt execution.

Next Steps and Community Response

While some stakeholders are pushing for a complete and immediate renovation of the Panayampadam curve, others advocate for a phased approach, utilizing the currently sanctioned funds and implementing further upgrades as more resources become available. This divergence in opinion has sparked debate among officials and local leaders. In response, a meeting led by the District Collector is being planned to treat the curve as a special project, with the goal of preparing a detailed proposal for submission to the central government to secure a permanent solution to the recurring accidents. Local representatives, including MLA K. Shanthakumari, have assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to obtain additional funding and ensure the long-term safety of the area.

Additional Measures Under Consideration

Additional measures under consideration include regular vehicle inspections and stricter enforcement of traffic rules in the area to improve overall road safety. Authorities are also exploring the potential deployment of police personnel during school hours to enhance safety for students crossing or walking along the curve. Furthermore, there is an ongoing examination of engineering solutions such as straightening the curve or adding speed breakers, with decisions to be made based on the findings of detailed feasibility studies.

The Panayampadam curve is getting major safety upgrades after repeated accidents, thanks to community pressure and official action. The focus is now on engineering improvements for a long-term solution to protect all road users.

Read more at: https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/palakkad/2025/07/03/panayampadam-curve-safety-improvements.html