Kochi Airport Road safety measures are being planned after a joint inspection found urgent risks along the nearly 5km Athani Junction–airport corridor, where three youths were killed in a speeding crash earlier this month. The motor vehicles department, Kerala Police and Cochin International Airport Ltd surveyed the stretch on Thursday to identify locations requiring immediate intervention.
The inspection followed the October 11 crash in which a Mini Cooper hit a scooter from behind during the early hours, killing Devika, Gopika and Iyaz. The scooter was reportedly dragged nearly 100 metres after the collision. A preliminary investigation by the motor vehicles department found that the car was travelling at twice the permitted speed limit of 70kmph and that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
The inspection was led by Ernakulam enforcement regional transport officer Biju Issac. Officials examined the road from Athani Junction to the airport terminal, focusing on high-risk zones, curves, U-turns and sections where speeding or poor nighttime visibility could increase the likelihood of crashes.
Among the proposed measures are AI-powered speed enforcement cameras that can continuously detect traffic violations. Officials have also proposed rumble strips and hazard blinkers near vulnerable curves and U-turns, along with improved directional signs and high-visibility road markings to support safer navigation at night.
The agencies are also considering increased nighttime patrols aimed at reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to officials, the wide and smooth multi-lane road frequently encourages speeding, drunk driving and late-night drag racing. The corridor carries thousands of vehicles transporting passengers to and from Kochi airport.
Issac said a detailed report was being prepared in coordination with the participating agencies. “It was decided to take measures to enhance road safety along the stretch and deploy a system to continuously monitor the section,” he said. The report will be submitted to the Kerala Road Safety Authority, the District Road Safety Authority and the state government for implementation.
The proposed interventions will require coordination between enforcement agencies, the airport operator and road-safety authorities. The inspection has identified the measures under consideration, but the supplied report does not specify an implementation date, the number of cameras planned or the agency responsible for operating the proposed monitoring system.
