Cheriyappilly Bridge on National Highway 66 in Kottuvally is operating without functioning streetlights, creating dangerous conditions for motorists and pedestrians, according to a report by Mathrubhumi – Kochi. The bridge carries thousands of vehicles and travellers every day, but the lights installed along its span have reportedly remained off for months.
The approach roads on both sides of the bridge are lit, while none of the lights on the bridge itself are working. The sudden transition from illuminated approaches to a dark bridge is making night travel difficult, the report said.
High-beam headlights from vehicles climbing onto the bridge from the approach roads can also obstruct the view of drivers coming from the opposite direction. According to the report, vehicles have lost control and collided with others in these conditions. Two motorcycles travelling from opposite directions were involved in a collision at the location recently.
The safety problem extends beyond motor traffic. Vegetation has grown along both sides of the bridge, making walking more difficult. The bridge does not have a footpath, and the absence of lighting has added to the risks faced by pedestrians using the structure at night.
The report said that no corrective action had been taken despite the lights remaining out of service for months. Kottuvally panchayat is responsible for carrying out repairs to the streetlights, according to the report.
The situation places particular importance on the division of responsibility for infrastructure on busy highway stretches. While the bridge forms part of National Highway 66, the streetlight repairs are handled by the local panchayat, creating a need for coordinated action when a public-safety defect affects both through traffic and local movement.
The report did not provide a repair deadline or details of a planned inspection. The immediate pending step is the restoration of the bridge lighting and clearance of roadside vegetation by the responsible authority.
