T’puram: A sharp curve on NH 66 at Mamom near Attingal has become a major accident black spot, with motorists blaming poor visibility caused by an earthen mound, overgrown shrubs and thick creepers along the roadside.The hazardous stretch lies between Mamom Junction and Mamom Bridge, where vegetation and a mound of earth adjacent to the tarred carriageway obstruct the view of motorists, particularly those travelling from Kollam towards Thiruvananthapuram. Locals say the lack of visibility has led to frequent near-misses and accidents, yet no corrective measures have been taken by the authorities.The danger is compounded by vehicles entering and exiting the highway from the Valiyakunnu taluk hospital–Chittattinkara–Idayakkode Road, which joins NH 66 close to the curve. Drivers attempting to merge onto the highway or cross the junction often struggle to spot oncoming vehicles until the last moment, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.According to locals, several serious accidents have narrowly been averted at the location. They point out that although there is sufficient land available to straighten the curve, the authorities have failed to initiate any work to improve this.The accident-prone stretch extends for nearly half a kilometre. Motorists travelling towards Thiruvananthapuram are said to face the greatest danger due to the restricted sight distance at the bend.Locals believe the problem can be substantially mitigated by removing the earthen mound and clearing the overgrown shrubs and creepers along the highway. They also suggest that excavating the mound on the adjoining vacant govt land would improve visibility and allow for the realignment of the curve.Locals have also raised concerns over the dumping of timber logs, private vehicles and other materials on the vacant land near the curve, alleging that these obstructions further reduce visibility and heighten the risk of accidents.Mamom resident A J Sajir, who had submitted a formal complaint to the authorities about a year ago seeking urgent intervention, said no action has been taken despite repeated accidents at the site.“I had requested the authorities to remove the obstructions and take steps to eliminate the accident risk. However, no action has followed,” Sajir said.According to Sajir, officials informed him that the proposed improvements could not be undertaken due to a lack of adequate funds.Kizhuvilam division member of Thiruvananthapuram district panchayat, Sajith Muttappalam, said the issue has been brought to the attention of the authorities, but a permanent solution would require financial sanction in the next financial year.Locals, however, urged the NHAI and other agencies concerned not to wait for a long-term project to begin basic safety measures.
