Road transport in Kerala and transportation problems

Kerala is a State lying in the southern end of the Indian peninsular. If the total area of India is considered this State shares slightly more than one percent, with an area of 38,863 sq. km. Eastern side of the State is almost marked by the Western Ghats, while the West is bordered with the Arabian Sea. So geographically the State can be divided as upland (above 75 meter from sea level), midland (between 7.5 to 75 m) and low land (below 7.5m). Naturally, the roads passing through these three regions will have ups and downs and the soil conditions varying.

Kerala at present has around 1200 km long National Highways 21,000 km long State Highways and more than one lakh km long other roads. An estimated 67 lakh vehicles, consisting of 55 lakh vehicles registered in Kerala and 12 lakh registered outside, make use of these roads. Naturally the National Highways get the maximum pressure of transportation followed by State Highways. This very often exceeds the capacity of these roads. Evidently, the vehicles move rather in a very slow pace. Estimated average speed for persons travelling through Kerala roads is about 30 km/h. During rainy season this further reduces to 20km/h. The condition of the roads is another factor which adds to the misery of a traveler.

Kerala's density of population is far above the national average. Similarly the number of vehicle owners is also more. Demand for consumer items also is high which lead to more cargo movements within the state. It is generally accepted that almost all motor vehicle companies introduce their new models in Kerala market and hence on Kerala roads. Even the lower income group in Kerala goes for a vehicle since loan facilities are available suiting everybody. An available data indicate that there were about 78,000 vehicles in Kerala in 1970, where as in the year 2010 the figure has risen to 53.98 lakhs. The length of total roads during the same years respectively shows the figures as 73,000 km and 1, 51,000 km. Thus the pressure on Kerala roads goes on increasing day by day. Expansion of road facilities does not keep pace with it.

The above picture is sufficient to reason out why the road accidents are more in Kerala. It is estimated that on an average ten people die on a day from road accidents and about a hundred get hospitalized. In the year 2010 the number of accidents reported was 35,046 with 3,922 casualties. A total number of 41,207 were hospitalized.

The conditions of roads also are not satisfactory. As per regulations the Panchayath roads are to have 8 m. width, District level roads 12 m. width, State level roads 15 to 20 m. widths and the National Highways 30 to 45 m. widths. But seldom are these conditions met. Maintenance of roads is never done in time and also properly. No attention is given to road safety in our State. The positioning of publicity hoardings, posters, etc. which distract the attention of drivers are not controlled. Traffic signal systems are not properly functioning, or are not fitted in several junctions.

Pedestrians find it very difficult to use the roads. Pedestrian pathways are almost nil, if available will be occupied by footpath vendors. Bicycle travelers and even other two wheeler users are finding the road travelling in Kerala unsafe. Perhaps more accidents reported are connected with two wheeler drivers.
When considering the fact that the need for transportation is increasing day by day, the authorities must give more attention for improving the total set up. Here road is not the only available mode for transportation. Railway definitely is an alternative, perhaps a better alternative. It actually consumes less land area. In the beginning more investment may be needed, but the recurring cost will be less and will be more environment friendly. The travelling expenses will be less and more people and more cargo movements take place in a single trip. The possibilities of railway expansion in Kerala have not still attracted the attention of planners and administrators.

Kerala is a land of waters. Earlier the commodities are taken to markets also taken out through these waters. Water transport system was so perfect and well connected. Long travelling people depended on this system. Earlier the country boats were hand driven, so the time was a factor. But now motorized boats are ready for transportation. More use of this mode of transport can ease to some extend the rush on roads.

Thus a detailed study of the problem to streamline the transportation issue, mainly the one related to road, must be carried out and suitable means implemented to smoothen Kerala people's most important need.