Kochi: Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden has written to Kerala Transport Minister C. P. John demanding urgent enforcement of road safety complaint helplines, following a spot check by Mathrubhumi that revealed widespread non-compliance on Kochi private buses. The intervention comes after an investigation showed that several private buses operating in Kochi fail to display mandatory helpline contacts despite clear judicial and administrative directives.

Spot check exposes missing safety labels

The investigative report by Mathrubhumi was triggered by a dangerous incident near Marine Drive, where an overtaking private bus forced an oncoming car onto the footpath. When the car driver attempted to locate a safety feedback number on the vehicle, none was visible. Subsequent documentation of 60 private buses across Kochi revealed that only two vehicles carried the required reporting contact.

Under a Kerala High Court order issued in February 2023, all buses are legally required to display the 'Traffic Eye' complaint helpline, 6238100100, on their exterior. Furthermore, a March 2025 State Transport Authority directive mandated a prominent sticker instructing commuters to report reckless driving via WhatsApp video to 9188961100. However, crew members contacted during the spot check either pleaded ignorance or claimed that stickers had been temporarily removed.

MP calls for statewide enforcement

In his official letter sent on Thursday, October 1, MP Hibi Eden expressed deep concern over the lack of public awareness and visibility surrounding these emergency channels. He stressed that although court proceedings established these helplines to empower passengers, their practical safety potential remains severely underutilised due to poor display and publicity.

To rectify the lapses, MP outlined six key measures for the Transport Department. He called for the prominent, standardised placement of common safety stickers containing both numbers inside and outside every public bus. Additionally, MP urged authorities to launch a statewide awareness campaign across social media and bus terminals to explain how citizens can submit complaint evidence.

The MP further requested a district-wise performance review of all complaints recorded over the past three years, alongside details of actions taken against offending drivers. He urged the government to establish clear coordination mechanisms between the Motor Vehicles Department and local police for swift verification and enforcement.

MP also insisted that complaint channels must remain fully operational, adequately staffed, and monitored continuously, particularly during peak travel hours.