‘Safe Road Happy Road’ project flags alarming gaps in pedestrian safety in Thrissur

Student volunteers and faculty coordinators of the ’Safe Road Happy Road’ project of St. Thomas College (Autonomous) Thrissur have conducted a study on pedestrian safety at zebra crossings in Thrissur city in collaboration with the Motor Vehicles Department.

The study has been conducted in the context where road safety is becoming a serious concern in the State. The study has found that only about 20% of drivers stop their vehicles to let pedestrians cross at zebra crossings. The behaviour of pedestrians also needs to change, according to project coordinator Emmanuel Thomas.

“In the context of study, the ’Safe Road Happy Road’ project is planning a series of interventions to make our roads safe and happy. This will include improvements in foot-path, signage, road markings, and training for students, drivers and general public. Foot over-bridge and pelican zebra crossings are also mooted under the project. The project also has a green component which is expected to earn carbon credits,” he said.

Logo launched

A video created as part of the study was released by the patron of the college, Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath on Tuesday. The video is available in the social media handles of MVD and the College. Logo of the project was launched by the Deputy Transport Commissioner James M.P. Amrutha A.L., a first year computer science student of the college designed the logo. Project coordinators Emmanuel Thomas, Dr. Rani Sebastian and Jijo Kuruvila briefed about the project at the event. As part of the project, awareness programmes will be conducted for the public, students and drivers.

Safe Road Happy Road project aims to create a replicable model of road safety. As part of the project a Road Safety Audit was conducted in 2024 by the SCMS Institute of Road Safety and Transportation (SiRST) on the one kilometre stretch of road from Swaraj Round to East Fort to transform it into a Model Road.

Subsequently, the project and the audit report were presented before the Mayor of Thrissur Corporation. The project had received the approval of Thrissur Corporation. The project also found mention in the last budget of the Corporation with an outlay of ₹5 Crores for all Model Roads, Mr. Thomas noted.