Big trucks behind mishaps on Aluva-Edappally stretch

Kochi: Big trucks carrying heavy consignments plying during night cause regular accidents along the Aluva- Edappally Metro stretch.

Though the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has erected height gauge frames at the entry point of the Metro work at Aluva as well as at Muttom and separate warning boards to indicate the restricted height clearance, the truck drivers ignore the height gauge and caution boards resulting in accidents.

Retro-reflective stickers and illuminated warning lights have also been provided at the height gauge for clear visibility for the truck drivers.

In the recent past, four cases of trucks, container trailers hitting the scaffolding structures have been reported. There were serious accidents at Muttom and Kalamassery station construction sites when the oversized trucks were entangled with supporting steel beams damaging the structures and injuring workers.

Trucks damaging the height gauges and entering the work site is a potential threat for the safety of structures and labourers, according to a release from the DMRC.

The accidents also resulted in road traffic block for many hours as restoration works took over six hours.

The DMRC authorities have urged the heavy trucks to avoid the Metro alignment between Aluva and Edappally till the works are completed. 

For the safe and smooth completion of the  works, heavy oversized trucks and container trailers carrying cars with height of more than 4.40 metre passing through Angamali are requested to proceed to Kochi via Muvattupuzha avoiding the Metro stretch,  said DMRC release.