The Kerala High Court has taken strong suo motu cognizance of deteriorating road conditions and alarming safety hazards in Kochi, issuing a stern notice to the Kochi Municipal Corporation and the Kochi Commissioner of Police for what it described as systemic neglect of civic infrastructure.
A division bench observed that despite repeated complaints from residents and multiple representations from local bodies, no substantial progress had been made in addressing the crumbling condition of roads, missing streetlights, and absent or encroached footpaths — all of which have contributed to a growing number of accidents and pedestrian casualties in the city.
The court directed both authorities to file a comprehensive status report detailing every step undertaken so far to rectify the identified infrastructural deficiencies, along with a clear timeline for completing pending work. The order was passed after the court noted that materials were piling up on carriageways, manholes remained uncovered, and drainage blockages during monsoon had turned several stretches into hazardous waterlogged zones.
Senior advocates appearing before the bench argued that the situation had reached a crisis point, with accidents increasing annually due to poor visibility at night, abrupt potholes, and the complete absence of designated pedestrian walkways in many areas. They urged the court to monitor compliance closely.
The Korapady area, Edappally junction, and parts of Marine Drive were specifically cited in the proceedings as critical zones where road conditions pose an immediate threat to public safety.
Legal sources confirmed that the court has also asked whether any funds allocated under the Kerala Municipal Funds Act for road maintenance have been properly utilized, suggesting a broader scrutiny of administrative accountability may follow.
