Authorities move to rein in speed on accident-hit MC Road stretch - The HinduPublished - October 14, 2026 07:47 pm IST - PATHANAMTHITTAWith fatal accidents piling up on the Adoor-Pandalam stretch of MC Road, authorities have stepped up efforts to rein in speeding vehicles along the 12 km stretch ahead of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season.A joint team of the police, Motor Vehicles Department, Public Works Department and NATPAC has begun inspecting accident-prone spots in Enathu, Kulanda and Pandalam, among other areas, to identify safety gaps and work out remedial measures. The stretch has witnessed a spate of accidents over the past five months, claiming several lives.Taking a serious note, Adoor MLA C. V. Santhakumar raised the issue in the Kerala Assembly, seeking urgent intervention to stem the accidents on the stretch from Enathu to the Valiyakoikkal temple in Pandalam.“Overspeeding, poor road conditions, inadequate traffic signals, substance abuse, vehicles entering the main road from side roads and reckless driving by KSRTC drivers are among the major causes of accidents,” he said.The toll has continued to mount, with several people, including a seven-year-old boy on his way to school, killed in accidents on the stretch in the past week. With traffic expected to swell during the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala pilgrimage season, Mr Santhakumar called for swift, coordinated action by the departments concerned.A Motor Vehicles Department official, too, flagged reckless driving by KSRTC buses as a major safety concern on the stretch.“The danger posed by these buses is even greater at night. Two-wheeler riders often bear the brunt, as bus drivers tend to overlook them while overtaking other vehicles,” the official said.Responding to Mr Santhakumar’s submission, Transport Minister C. P. John assured that the government would give special attention to preventing accidents on the Adoor-Pandalam stretch. He also announced that a Road Safety Mission, with the Chief Minister as its chairman, would be constituted shortly.The government is consulting legal experts on a special law to deal more stringently with those who cause fatal accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Such cases would not be treated as minor offences arising from accidental lapses, the Minister told Mr. Santhakumar.Published - October 14, 2026 07:47 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }