NHAI plans to build underpasses at identified black spots in Tirupattur to prevent accidents
The Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will construct underpasses at five identified black spots, also known as accident-prone spots, on the Chennai - Bengaluru Highway
The Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will construct underpasses at five identified black spots, also known as accident-prone spots, on the Chennai - Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) in Tirupattur district. NHAI officials said that black spots were mostly identified at intersections at Panchur village, Vellakal Natham - Cheteri junction, Mallappally junction, Natrampalli, and Vaniyambadi - Valayapatti junction. “These identified intersections are known for fatal accidents that occur regularly. A proposal to build underpasses will be made and a nod from the District Collector is necessary before work on the facility commences,” said a NHAI official.
The decision comes after Collector G. Ravikumar inspected accident-prone spots on the stretch between Krishnagiri and Tirupattur districts, a distance of around 65 km. As a stop gap measure, Mr. Ravikumar directed NHAI to install warning sign boards, reflectors, blinkering lights. Highways officials were also advised to create awareness among residents in surrounding villages to prevent jaywalking on the stretch. Highways officials said that on an average, five fatal accidents occur on each of the identified black spots on the stretch at regular intervals.
Most of the victims are pedestrians, who are mostly farmers who cross the busy stretch with cattle for grazing. The stretch navigates habitations and agricultural lands. On the other hand, as most of the national highways have a speed limit of around 90kmph, motorists travel at a high speed on the stretch. It has resulted in accidents, mostly fatal ones. “New underpasses can also help motorists. Adequate safety measures, especially during night, should be provided on the route,” said R.
Pavan, a motorist. NHAI officials said that on an average, each underpass will cost ₹22 crore. It will be at least 4.5-metre-high and 20-metre-wide. At present, the stretch has more than 20 underpasses between Walajah (Ranipet) and Krishnagiri, a distance of 148 km. Each facility could be completed in 18 months.
The BriefWire