By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 27 Apr: Following a spate of accidents after the inauguration of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, particularly near Asarodi checkpost and Mohabbewala, the State transport department has carried out an inspection of the affected stretches. It may be noted that with vehicles speeding along the new road, several mishaps have been reported. This has prompted the lead agency comprising of police, public works (PWD) and health departments to conduct a detailed survey and inspection of the route. After the inspection, the agency has suggested a series of corrective measures to curb accidents and improve safety.
Deputy Transport Commissioner Shailesh Tiwari noted that a truck had recently met with an accident near Mohabbewala chowk, close to the government primary school opposite the Birla Opus Paint warehouse. During the site visit, it was observed that the junction box of the Electricity Department on one side and the school on the other were obstructing visibility at the bend, while the industrial area nearby ensured constant traffic movement. He stressed that the curve needed improvement to prevent further accidents.
The agency also recommended that speed calming measures including zebra crossings, stop lines, convex mirrors and school zone signboards be installed in accordance with IRC standards. It was also suggested that signboards of speed limit be placed on both sides of the Asarodi joint checkpost stretch, which is about 3.5 kilometres long and sloping, with traffic calming devices at intervals of 25 metres. The transverse bar markings should be thickened to 10 mm and fitted with cat-eye reflectors in sufficient numbers. Warning boards advising drivers to control speed on the gradient, maintain distance between vehicles and exercise caution where the road narrows from six lanes to four were also proposed.
The agency has advised closing the median cut in front of the checkpost and shifting it to a suitable location near Daat Kali temple through an underpass or other arrangement. A speed limit violation display system should be installed about 500 metres before the checkpost, while no-parking and no-stoppage signboards must be put up nearby. Separate gates for entry and exit of vehicles at the checkpost were recommended, along with reflective tapes on all barriers to ensure visibility at night. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been asked to provide lighting and blinkers along the entire route. It has been also suggested that delineators should also be installed near the Birla Opus Paint warehouse at Mohabbewala between Asarodi and ISBT.
