The stretch of Chathiath Road along Queen’s Walkway used to be ‘racing tracks’ for youths in the past. However, such incidents have not been reported from the areas recently, says a city police officer. | Photo Credit: H. VIBHU
The police have decided to strengthen surveillance on the airport stretch of the national highway, which has turned out to be a killing field for motorists, mainly bike riders. The stretch covering areas including Athani Junction and Airport Junction has come under heightened surveillance following the car-two-wheeler collision that claimed the lives of three youths on Sunday (October 11).
Eight people, all bike riders, were killed on the stretch in the past five months, according to police sources. The wide and well-lit road has been attracting youngsters with a penchant for speed rides and shooting reels late at night, according to police sources and residents.
“Patrol will be strengthened along the stretch, and footage from surveillance cameras will be examined thoroughly. Bikes that were found overspeeding in the past will also be identified, and action will be taken against erring riders,” District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural) K.S. Sudarshan said.
Sources with the Kochi City police claimed that incidents of overspeeding and illegal racing on city roads had come down of late following strict surveillance.
“Stadium Link Road near Kaloor and the stretch of Chathiath Road along the Queen’s Walkway used to be ‘racing tracks’ for youths in the past. However, such incidents have not been reported from the areas recently,” a city police officer said.
The Ernakulam Central police had seized four cars in two separate incidents in 2025 for allegedly performing stunts on the Queen’s Walkway stretch last year.
“Stadium Link Road used to witness bike stunts by youth during late hours earlier. However, it has stopped after the police installed barricades, and nightlife has become more active around the stadium. However, the high-revving sound of motorbikes is heard from the road post midnight occasionally,” a resident said. Sources with the city police said surveillance would be strengthened to check overspeeding and driving under the influence of intoxicants on the vulnerable stretches.
Published - October 12, 2026 11:41 pm IST