Speeding and Pedestrian Safety Crisis in Cherpulassery, Palakkad

Cherpulassery, a bustling town in Palakkad district, is at a crossroads literally and figuratively when it comes to road safety. Despite recent upgrades yielding a modern four-lane road, pedestrians find themselves increasingly at risk due to rampant speeding, poor enforcement, and inadequate infrastructure.

Crossing the road in Cherpulassery has become a daily challenge. Zebra crossings are marked, but cars and two-wheelers rarely slow down, even in busy commercial and bus stand areas. Hundreds, including children and the elderly, are forced to wait extended periods, risking sudden dashes through traffic. The situation reaches a boiling point near the bus stand accidents here are now common due to vehicles racing through pedestrian-heavy zones. The lack of proper parking facilities exacerbates the chaos. Vehicles, including buses, often park on the roadside or in the middle of the street to pick up or drop passengers, creating blockades and intensifying traffic congestion. Shops without dedicated parking lure cars to the road’s edge. The autorickshaw stand’s placement near the bus station often sees queues spilling into the street, adding to gridlock ahead of the Onam festival rush.

Cherpulassery’s roads lack persistent police supervision and effective monitoring via CCTV. The absence of enforcement means that rules like mandatory slowing down in town are seldom followed, and speeding goes unchecked. During peak hours and festival seasons, the risks skyrocket. Residents are voicing urgent demands for strict traffic guidelines and regulatory reforms. Cherpulassery’s situation isn’t unique. A recent NATPAC study revealed that 400 road stretches in Kerala are considered unsafe for pedestrians with more than 5,100 pedestrian deaths reported statewide between 2018 and 2022. 62% of these corridors lack even basic facilities: zebra crossings, footpaths, or foot overbridges. Experts say isolated “black spot” fixes are inadequate, calling for corridor-wide upgrades and awareness campaigns.

Potential Solutions and Call to Action:

  • Proper parking infrastructure: Dedicated parking spaces for vehicles and relocating autorickshaw stands away from main traffic arteries.
  • Surveillance and enforcement: Installation of CCTV and increased police presence.
  • Improved pedestrian infrastructure: Elevated footpaths, guardrails, signaled crossings, and regular maintenance.
  • Community campaigns: Promoting pedestrian awareness and responsible driving, especially during busy festival seasons.

Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/08/12/cherpulassery-traffic-pedestrian-safety.html

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