NH66 in Kasaragod: A Speed Trap or a Lifeline? Unmasking the Alarming Rise in Violations

Kasaragod's stretch of National Highway 66, once heralded as a beacon of modern infrastructure, is rapidly gaining a notorious reputation for something far less desirable: rampant speeding violations. Data emerging from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) paints a grim picture, revealing a staggering 1279 cases recorded in 2024 alone, constituting a disturbing 73% of all traffic infractions on this vital artery.

This isn't just a statistic; it's a stark warning of the growing disregard for safety and the potential for catastrophic consequences.

The newly inaugurated bypasses, designed to streamline traffic and reduce travel times, seem to have inadvertently become a canvas for reckless driving. Drivers, perhaps lulled by the smooth, wide roads, are pushing the limits far beyond the prescribed speed caps.

For cars, the limit is a clear 80 kmph, and for two-wheelers, a more cautious 60 kmph. Yet, these limits are routinely flouted, turning sections of the highway into high-risk zones.

Specific hotspots have emerged where violations are particularly rife. The Kalanad, Thalangara, Chengala, and Kanhangad South areas are witnessing an alarming frequency of drivers treating the highway as a personal racetrack.

The MVD's vigilant eye, employing both fixed and mobile camera units, is meticulously capturing these infractions, leading to substantial fines that serve as a punitive reminder of the rules. Car drivers caught speeding face a penalty of Rs 1500, while motorcyclists are fined Rs 1000 – costs that significantly outweigh the brief thrill of speed.

This surge in violations underscores a critical challenge: balancing the benefits of improved infrastructure with the imperative of road safety.

While the new NH66 offers unparalleled connectivity and convenience, it demands a corresponding increase in driver responsibility. The smooth tarmac and reduced congestion are not an invitation to accelerate dangerously; rather, they are an opportunity for safer, more efficient travel when rules are adhered to.

The MVD's persistent efforts to curb speeding are commendable, yet the sheer volume of violations suggests that enforcement alone may not be enough.

There's an urgent need for a shift in driver mentality, a recognition that every extra kilometer per hour beyond the limit exponentially increases risk – not just for the driver, but for every other road user. The dream of a world-class highway should not be overshadowed by the nightmare of preventable accidents.

It's a collective responsibility to ensure that NH66 remains a lifeline, not a danger zone.