Rising traffic violations on Kozhikode's new NH 66 stretch worry commuters and officials

The newly widened National Highway 66 through Kozhikode district, designed for smoother and faster travel, is witnessing a worrying return of unsafe driving practices despite repeated warnings from police and the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). Commuters and road safety observers say abrupt lane changes, indiscriminate overtaking, and use of the right lane as a cruising lane have become common, especially in stretches where enforcement is thin.

One of the most persistent complaints involves private buses illegally entering stretches of the highway where they are prohibited. Light motor vehicle users say these buses pose a serious risk on the six-lane corridor. In addition, heavy vehicles frequently violate speed limits at entry and exit points connected to the high-speed route, often without detection.

Local residents and daily commuters have also drawn attention to the growing problem of illegal parking along several stretches. C.P. Vineeth, an executive who works near the Pantheerankavu toll plaza, recalls that highway squads used to conduct regular patrols a few months ago. With surveillance reduced, he says, many areas have turned into ad-hoc parking spots, forcing fast-moving vehicles to brake suddenly. Motorcycles, he notes, are among the main contributors to such unexpected obstructions.

A retired traffic police officer who frequently travels between Kozhikode and Kannur observes that many drivers are still unfamiliar with the rules of driving on a six-lane highway. Sudden lane changes and speed-limit violations have become life-threatening issues, he says, adding that better awareness and stricter enforcement are both needed.

Another concern is the delay in clearing broken-down or accident-hit vehicles from the road. Gopinath Pulikkal, a recovery van operator, says there are no accident helpline numbers displayed along the highway to guide road users in distress. According to him, people often wait hours for assistance, partly because of delays in getting official permission to display such numbers.

The problem of unsafe parking is particularly acute on the Koyilandy–Vadakara stretch, where heavy goods vehicles are regularly parked along the highway. Sadik Ali, an employee at a petrol pump in Koyilandy, says such parking continues unchecked. When residents confront drivers about the danger, he says, the drivers point to the lack of dedicated parking facilities for inter-State goods vehicles. Night patrols by local police rarely result in action against these unsafe practices, he adds.

In response, officials from the MVD and the highway enforcement squad say an intensified action plan is being prepared to detect irresponsible driving using interceptor vehicles fitted with radar speed cameras. They also state that efforts are under way to activate all surveillance cameras along the completed sections of the highway in the wake of repeated violations.

Road safety experts argue that while enforcement is essential, long-term solutions require a combination of better road design, awareness campaigns, and adequate infrastructure such as parking bays and service roads. The NH 66 upgrade has brought significant benefits to the region, but these will be undermined unless all road users follow the rules and authorities ensure consistent monitoring.