THE DELHI-GURGAON Expressway is turning out to be the new death trap. At least seven accidents took place on the expressway on Sunday, and three deaths were reported. Over the past one month, four persons have died in separate accidents on the expressway, highlighting the need for illumination, roundthe-clock deployment of traffic marshals and speed control deVICOS.
A 30-year-old private security guard, who worked at the DLF City Center Mall, was run over by a vehicle near the IFFCO Chowk flyover at around 9:30 p.m., when he was returning home. In another incident, a 32year-old resident of Sanjay Colony, Delhi, was mowed down by a vehicle at around 7:00 p.m near the South City flyover In an accident near a fast food outlet, a resident of Rewari died on the spot, when a vehicle rammed into his bike. His friend managed to escape.

Two others sustained minor injuries in other accidents on the expressway Coincidentally, all the accidents had a similar story on one count – the speeding motorists fled the scene easily since there were none to stop them. Road connectivity is fine. But what about speed limitations? Who will enforce the rules? The average speed of vehicles on the expressway is around 100 kmph as against the mandatory speed limit of 50 kmph. Clearly, the Gurgaon police and over 100 traffic marshals, deployed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and construction firm DS Constructions Ltd have failed to check the speed maniacs.

When contacted, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Gurgaon Traffic) VK. Brada maintained that “his men were managing the traffic near the roundabouts and underpasses quite effectively”. On its part, DS Constructions Ltd, the firm constructing the expressway, squarely blames the traffic police and motorists for the high rate of accidents.

“It is extremely unfortunate that despite taking pre-cautionary measures such as installation of High Intensity Grade Traffic Signages, which sets a speed limit of 50 kmph, safety barricades and concrete New Jersey Barriers on either side of the expressway mishaps have occurred on this route. It is just because of traffic rule violations,” said Rafi Q Khan, GM (Corporate Communications), DS Constructions Ltd. Worse still, the recovery vans have failed to clear damaged vehicles from the expressway and transport the injured to hospital on time. Khan said, “We have deployed over 100 tranc marshals and 30 corridor control personnel trained to manage and monitor the highway round-the-clock. Since enforcement rights are not vested with us, we are unable to implement speed limits and control errant drivers.”

Source: Hindustantimes

Entry Filed under: Delhi Road Accidents