--- title: "Kerala Lokayukta orders removal of unauthorised, hazardous utility installations from bridges" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kerala-lokayukta-bridge-safety-id60k publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Politics published: 2026-08-17T19:32:22.150Z modified: 2026-08-17T21:30:07.128Z language: en-IN --- # Kerala Lokayukta orders removal of unauthorised, hazardous utility installations from bridges The Kerala Lokayukta directed the Public Works Department (Bridges) to clear unauthorised utility installations from bridges within three months, following a petition about obstructed pedestrian pathways and safety hazards. The order involves joint inspections, re-routing or burial of pipelines and ## Key takeaways - A Lokayukta panel has mandated the removal of unauthorised, hazardous utilities from bridges within three months. - The order requires joint inspections with service providers and potential burial or re-routing of pipes and cables. - Public utility providers must obtain clearance before future installations on bridges, and pedestrian widths must be restored. - An independent verification of rectification works will be conducted by the Road Safety Commissioner. ## What Happened The Kerala Lokayukta directed the Public Works Department (Bridges) to remove all unauthorised and hazardous utility installations from bridges and culverts under its jurisdiction within three months. The commission highlighted protruding pipes, clamps, brackets, and cables that reduce the effective width of bridges and create hazards for pedestrians and road users. The directive was issued by a Division Bench of the Lokayukta, comprising Justice N. Anilkumar and Upa Lokayukta Justice Ashok Menon, in response to a petition filed by Ravi Ulleyeri of Kozhikode. An inquiry by the Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement), Kozhikode, corroborated the complainant’s grievance and had been ordered by the Road Safety Commissioner on Lokayukta instructions. The Road Safety Commissioner had also indicated that interim removal measures had begun under the Road Safety Act. The Lokayukta ordered the PWD to conduct joint inspections with various service providers, remove or relocate cables and installations from bridges and culverts, bury utility pipes beneath pedestrian footpaths or within the bridge deck where technically feasible, and ensure the prescribed pedestrian pathway width is restored on all affected bridges. The panel also directed sensitisation of public utility providers to obtain clearance from the road-owning authority before any future installation on or within public bridges or culverts to prevent recurrence. It called for rectification of structural defects and safety deficiencies observed on bridges, including damaged or unrepaired railings, corroded clamps and brackets, and exposed or defective electrical and streetlight installations. An Action Taken Report with photographic evidence of remedial measures was requested, and the Road Safety Commissioner was to independently verify the rectification works. The case was posted for November 25 for further action. ## Why It Matters The order targets pedestrian safety and functional capacity of bridges by removing installations that encroach on walkways and by ensuring future clearances and proper alignment of utilities. The directive emphasizes joint inspections with service providers and a structured approach to re-routing or burying utilities to prevent future hazards, which could reduce accidents and maintain bridge usability for the public. By mandating restoration of pedestrian widths and verification by the Road Safety Commissioner, the decision aims to establish accountability and a verifiable standard for bridge maintenance and utility installations across the jurisdiction. ## Background A petition filed by a Kozhikode resident drew attention to water supply pipes and telecommunications cables laid along bridge sides, which reduced usable bridge width and posed hazards. An inquiry by the Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) confirmed the grievances. The Road Safety Commissioner had initiated interim measures under the Road Safety Act, and the Lokayukta’s panel reviewed and expanded these measures, setting a three-month deadline for corrective action and detailing steps for ongoing oversight and future compliance. ## Key Facts - The Lokayukta directed removal of unauthorised and hazardous utility installations from bridges and culverts within three months. - The directive was issued by a Division Bench of the Lokayukta, including Justice N. Anilkumar and Upa Lokayukta Justice Ashok Menon. - A Kozhikode resident (Ravi Ulleyeri) filed the petition prompting the action. - An inquiry by the Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement), Kozhikode corroborated the complainant’s concerns. - The Road Safety Commissioner indicated interim removal measures had started under the Road Safety Act. - The Lokayukta ordered joint inspections with service providers and the removal/relocation/burial of cables and utility installations. - Pipelines should be buried beneath pedestrian pathways or within the bridge deck where technically feasible. - The prescribed pedestrian pathway width must be restored on all affected bridges. - Public utility providers must secure clearance from the road-owning authority before future installations on or within public bridges or culverts. - Rectification of structural defects and safety deficiencies (damaged railings, corroded clamps/brackets, exposed electrical/streetlight installations) should be completed. - An Action Taken Report with photographic evidence is to be filed; verification will be carried out by the Road Safety Commissioner; case set for November 25. ## What Happens Next The Lokayukta’s panel fixed a date for reporting on remedial measures, with independent verification expected from the Road Safety Commissioner. The process requires coordination among the PWD, utility providers, and safety authorities to ensure compliance and to prevent recurrence of similar hazards on bridges and culverts in the region. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kerala-lokayukta-bridge-safety-id60k Reported from: Multiple Sources