Improved MC Road now a deathtrap for pedestrians

Thiruvananthapuram: After being widened under the Kerala State Transport Project, the 240-kilometre MC Road from Thiruvananthapuram to Angamaly has become dangerous for pedestrians,  especially while crossing the road.

This is because there is no pedestrian refuge on the centre of the stretch. After it was widened, the pedestrians required more time to cross the road and the speed of the vehicles has increased considerably. As a result, fatal accidents have gone up. It is estimated that on an average about two persons are killed on the MC Road every day.

Traffic experts said that as per road standards such wide stretches should have either dividers or traffic islands where they can wait after crossing one side of the road at least on the wide and curved portion of the stretch. KSTP project director  K. Sundaran said that at present there was no such proposals to construct road refuge.

“The MC Road  has a width of up to 40 metres at certain points, compared to about 15 to 20 metres earlier. Pedestrian refuge is  essential at such wide stretches as per standards,” said road safety activist  Upendra Narayanan. Also there should be sufficient signal lights at least 100 metres ahead of designated crossing areas and zebra crossings, he said.

Another major flaw  is the lack of uniform width which  ranges from 22 to 40 metres.  This affects smooth driving and increases the chances for accidents. Also, the stretch lacked sufficient footpaths, he said.