The road passing in front of the open-air auditorium on the main campus of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), which had witnessed a tragic stampede on November 25, 2023, will be out of bounds for any vehicular movement as part of the design change proposed in the renovation plan of the facility.
The road between the triangular park and the auditorium was closed down following the tragedy ahead of a musical event on the campus that resulted in the death of four persons, including three students. Though there had been demands to open it for vehicular movement, given the traffic congestion at the tri-junction, the authorities had kept it closed.
Varsity officials said the road would remain enclosed within the renovated open-air auditorium, and hence, it would not be available for vehicular movement. The change in design was proposed by the four-member committee appointed by the varsity to study the structural defects in the auditorium following the stampede.
The committee had suggested the design change would restrict the crowd inside and avoid the possibility of road accidents resulting from the public gathering outside. The footpath shall be demolished, and the unnecessary level difference in the front yard had to be avoided, it said.
The authorities pointed out that the congestion at the junction would be resolved by reducing the extent of the triangular park to ensure better access. Tree branches would be trimmed and other hindrances removed to facilitate easy movement of vehicles, they said.
The technical committee had also suggested that the emergency exits be made fully functional and pathways or road access to these entrances, as well as the road be cleared to facilitate ambulance movement.
Published – March 11, 2025 08:31 pm IST
