KASARGOD: The Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) will install the most modern signal system on the roads in the state to improve road safety. Ten roads in the state, including Cherkala-Jalsur, Taliparamba-Iritty, Kannur-Mattanur, Koyilandy-Thamarassery, Sulthan Bathery-Vazhoor, Mannarkkad-Kidangoor, Pala-Ettumanur and Thycaud-Kazhakkoottam, have been selected for the purpose. The roads will be fixed with reflective studs known as Cat’s Eye, which are imported from the US.The green studs in the middle and red ones on the sides would make the road safer. Unlike the illuminated studs used in big cities, these reflective studs are highly light-sensitive and function even in low light conditions. They are drilled into the road which ensures durability as well. Besides, M Beams are being installed on both sides of the roads in slopes and turns.“In accident-prone areas, M beams are placed in such a way that the vehicles going off the road will bounce back after hitting them,” said Jacob John, executive engineer at KSTP.Apart from the signal system, spring posts, reflecting tiles and crash barriers are also being installed to avoid road accidents. The spring posts are flexible which bend as vehicles hits them and straighten again. Thus the vehicle is least damaged. The technology will also reduce the maintenance expenditure.The installation of these safety systems is estimated to cost Rs 1.5 lakh for a stretch of one kilometre. An amount of Rs 1.7 crore has been allotted for the project. Cherkalam-Jalsur is the only road in the district to get these facilities. The 35-km road is ready with just a few finishing touches remaining to be done.The Kottut curve will be getting a spring post. Jacob John said that the estimated expenditure of the Cherkalam-Jalsur road was around Rs 45 lakh. “Vehicles entering Kerala would be welcomed with the boards in Kannada and English on Cherkalam-Jalsur road,” he added.
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