Police in Perumbavoor have issued a notice to the KSRTC station master over speeding, careless driving and lane violations by buses operating through the Thannipuzha section of MC Road in Ernakulam district, after a recent bus collision killed a 75-year-old local resident.
The notice followed the death of Koonathan Thomas, also known as Ummachan, of Okkal Thannipuzha, who was struck by a KSRTC Super Fast bus near the approach to Kalady bridge. The location, close to the bridge entrance, has been identified by residents as a recurring accident spot extending from Thannipuzha church towards the bridge.
The police notice states that accidents have become frequent because of excessive speed, careless driving and violations of lane-traffic rules by vehicles, according to Malayala Manorama. It warns that action will be taken if the speed of vehicles operating through the KSRTC depot is not controlled. The notice was issued by the Perumbavoor sub-inspector to the KSRTC station master under Section 38 of the Kerala Police Act.
The latest fatal crash came after another serious incident in the same stretch about a week earlier. A Tamil Nadu resident, identified as Selvan, lost an arm after a lorry hit him while he was crossing the road on a scooter and he fell under the vehicle, the report said.
The affected stretch runs from the Thannipuzha church area to the entrance of Kalady bridge. Residents said traffic congestion has reduced since the bridge was repaired, but the clearer road has also encouraged some drivers to travel at excessive speeds. The section from Kalady bridge to Chelamattom currently does not experience heavy traffic, according to the report.
Residents also said vehicles waiting to enter the bridge frequently attempt to move through the opposite lane. Large vehicles that move forward without checking traffic on both sides have contributed to crashes, they said. Several accidents have occurred when road users violating lane-traffic rules have come into the path of other vehicles.
Local residents have asked the police to maintain a visible presence at the location, install traffic cones and conduct awareness programmes for drivers. Their demands focus on managing vehicle movement at the bridge approach rather than relying only on action after collisions occur.
The police warning places responsibility on the KSRTC depot to control the speed and driving practices of buses using the route. The notice states that further police action will follow if the reported speeding and violations are not controlled.
