NHAI commences work to clear ‘fatal spots’

According to reports available with the NHAI on fatalities registered between 2011 and 2013, the vulnerable zones in Tamil Nadu are Kanchipuram, Villupuram and Salem districts. 

The Perumbakkam-Mambakkam stretch, adjacent to Chennai, in Kanchipuram district, has recorded 217 fatal cases, while Pulikpakkam accounted for 138 cases, the Kattankulathur stretch reported 185 cases and the Thailavaram region recorded 148 fatalities. In Salem district, Salem city recorded 106 fatalities and the Omalur-Deevattipatti stretch 191 cases. In Villupuram district the dangerous pockets, include Takkampalli stretch (146 deaths), Sitheri stretch (highest with 208 fatalities) and the Onkur–Pathiri stretch recording 112 deaths. 

Acting on these data, the union surface transport ministry sanctioned Rs 500 crore to improve the conditions in such accident prone zones across the country. 

According to the NHAI sources, the black spots are classified into five categories with top priority being given to areas which account for more than 95 fatal accidents during a specific period followed by zones where fatalities number between 70 and 95, next to spots where casualties ranged between 45 and 69, then those pockets which reported 21 to 44 deaths and lastly the areas where fatalities was below 21. 

NHAI field officials said, “accident prone spots could be any place like road over/under bridges, traffic junctions, parapet of flyovers and even junctions.” NHAI project directors have been asked to collate such black spots and initiate action immediately to ensure that fatalities were reduced drastically. 

As speed breakers are not allowed on NH and officials aim at reducing travel time for vehicles, driver fatigue and engine wear and tear, the idea is to ensure that pedestrians follow rules. A major disadvantage is that several places lack service roads, which is also one of the reasons for high rate of accidents. “The process of removing/chopping off hoardings and tree branches that hinder view, which also constitute a ‘black spot 1’, is under way,” officials added. 

When asked whether the poll code that has come into effect from Friday would affect the ongoing work, officials said, “the work started a couple of months ago. As the work relates to small changes, there won’t be any issue even if work was stopped due to the poll conduct.”