Pedestrian Killed in KSRTC Bus Accident Near Secretariat

Speedy Summary

• A 62-year-old woman, Geetha of Peyad, was fatally knocked down by a KSRTC bus near the Secretariat in Kerala on Tuesday while crossing the road with her husband after disembarking from the same bus.
• The accident occurred as the driver moved the bus forward without noticing them. Police rushed to provide immediate medical aid but Geetha succumbed to her injuries.
• The incident highlights concerns regarding rash and negligent driving by public transport drivers in urban areas of Kerala’s capital city.
• The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) announced special vigilance measures to enforce safer driving practices, including ensuring buses stop at designated points and promoting lane discipline.
• Challenges were noted in traffic management due to frequent protests near MG Road, causing congested single-lane situations for vehicles passing through this busy zone.

Indian Opinion Analysis

this tragedy casts a spotlight on longstanding concerns over public transport safety and traffic management challenges in urban hubs like Kerala’s capital city. Lack of adherence to lane discipline among KSRTC buses not only puts pedestrians at risk but also disrupts traffic flow, especially along busy corridors like MG road where structural inefficiencies are compounded by disruptions from demonstrations.

The Deputy commissioner’s pledge for stricter oversight is a step forward; however, sustained efforts involving better infrastructure planning (e.g., dedicated pedestrian zones) and training programs for drivers could provide more lasting solutions. Addressing systemic issues within major transit routes may help mitigate risks posed to vulnerable commuters-elderly citizens being especially affected-and ensure roads remain functional even during civil demonstrations.

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