Widened NH 66 in Kozhikode Faces Growing Safety Risks

Recent widening of the coastal NH 66 near Kozhikode has drawn sharp criticism after a spate of unsafe practices surfaced on the newly opened lane. The Hindu noted that drivers are parking illegally on the shoulder, while private bus operators are entering a section that has been officially barred to them. These violations, combined with abrupt lane changes and frequent breaches of the posted speed limit, are creating hazardous conditions for all road users.

Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) officials confirmed that the ban on private buses along the designated stretch is being ignored, and that several motorists are using the widened carriageway for parking, obstructing traffic flow. "We have observed a pattern of sudden lane shifts and speed‑limit violations that endanger commuters," an MVD spokesperson told The Hindu. In response, the department plans to intensify patrols, issue fines, and seize vehicles that repeatedly flout the rules.

The department’s crackdown will include deploying additional speed‑camera units and setting up temporary checkpoints to monitor illegal parking. Drivers caught violating the ban on private buses could face suspension of their permits, while repeat offenders for parking violations may see their vehicles towed. The MVD has urged commuters to respect the new traffic markings and adhere to speed limits to prevent accidents.

NH 66, stretching over 1,600 km along India’s western coastline, serves as a vital artery for both local traffic and long‑distance freight. The Kozhikode segment was recently widened under Kerala’s broader infrastructure upgrade program aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity between major ports and inland markets. While the expansion promises smoother travel, it also introduces a larger road surface that can tempt drivers to misuse the space, a challenge seen in other Indian highway upgrades.

Historically, NH 66 has recorded a higher-than‑average accident rate, partly due to its mix of heavy trucks, passenger buses and two‑wheelers navigating narrow lanes. The recent widening was intended to address these safety concerns, but the current pattern of violations threatens to undermine those gains. Local commuters, commercial transport operators and pedestrians in nearby neighborhoods are the most exposed to the heightened risk.

Authorities stress that compliance with traffic rules is essential for the highway’s intended benefits to materialise. Continued monitoring and stricter penalties are expected as the MVD seeks to restore order on the newly widened stretch, aiming to make Kozhikode’s portion of NH 66 safer for everyone.