Steps sought to address frequent snarl-ups on Kozhikode-Kannur NH

A section of ambulance operators in Kozhikode and Kannur districts have registered their strong protest against the recurring snarl-ups on the Kozhikode-Kannur national highway (NH), where traffic control measures are allegedly being overlooked by road construction workers in the absence of supervision by the traffic police.

They claimed that the directives recently issued by the Kozhikode district administration after convening a meeting with the heads of various government departments to address safety issues on waterlogged stretches also remained ignored owing to poor follow-up measures.

“Even after stringent warnings, instances of lane discipline violations by private bus operators are rampant on the national highway,” said an ambulance driver from Vadakara. He also alleged that the home guards posted in various locations were seemingly helpless in handling the “chaotic” situation.

A functionary of Active Network Group of Emergency Life Savers, a platform of ambulance operators, said that there had been several incidents across the State where traffic snarl-ups triggered by road widening works claimed the lives of critically-ill patients. “There should be proper precautionary measures to avert similar situations,” he said.

“We are unable to explain the plight of patients and their relatives when ambulances get stuck in the middle of traffic. Many a time, the condition of the patient turns worse,” said K.K. Purushothaman, an experienced ambulance driver in Kozhikode city. He pointed out that potholes on service roads made emergency trips riskier, especially for mini ambulances. Meanwhile, police officers in charge of highway patrol clarified that the issue was being closely monitored on all the affected stretches. According to them, the Station House Officers concerned are directly attending to complaints, especially those from emergency vehicle operators

The issues related to potholes on service roads had already been brought to the attention of the Public Works department for action, they said.