Wed Jul 02 19:54:15 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Ambulance Operators Decry Highway Traffic Chaos in Kozhikode and Kannur

**Kozhikode/Kannur, July 3, 2025** – Ambulance operators in Kozhikode and Kannur districts are raising serious concerns about the impact of ongoing national highway widening work on emergency response times. Recurring traffic snarl-ups, exacerbated by poor traffic management and dangerous road conditions, are allegedly putting critically ill patients at risk.

Operators report that traffic control measures are frequently overlooked by road construction workers, citing a lack of supervision from traffic police. They also claim that directives issued by the Kozhikode district administration to address safety issues on waterlogged stretches have been ignored.

“We are unable to explain the plight of patients and their relatives when ambulances get stuck in the middle of traffic. Many a time, the condition of the patient turns worse,” said K.K. Purushothaman, an experienced ambulance driver in Kozhikode city.

Compounding the problem are potholes on service roads, which make emergency trips even more treacherous, especially for smaller ambulances. Drivers also reported instances of lane discipline violations by private bus operators, further contributing to the congestion.

The Active Network Group of Emergency Life Savers reports that there have been incidents where traffic delays linked to road widening projects have contributed to patient fatalities. They are demanding proper precautionary measures to prevent future tragedies.

While police officers in charge of highway patrol claim to be closely monitoring the situation and addressing complaints from emergency vehicle operators, ambulance drivers remain skeptical. Police also stated that pothole issues have been brought to the Public Works Department.

The situation highlights the need for better coordination between construction crews, traffic police, and local authorities to ensure that critical emergency services can operate effectively during ongoing roadworks.

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