Kota: Hazardous spots excluded from list of highway blackspots!

Udupi: A committee led by the district administration in Udupi has identified 20 black spots on national highways based on accident data from 2020 to 2022. The National Highways Authority has been directed to implement corrective measures at these locations.

However, the exclusion of some of the most dangerous spots in Brahmavar taluk from the list has raised eyebrows. Public demand is mounting for a re-evaluation and inclusion of these areas in the list.

Process of Identifying Black Spots

The district administration, police department, and highway department collaborated to identify black spots based on the frequency and severity of accidents. Locations include Padubidri Junction, Uchila, Mahesh Hospital Junction in Brahmavar, Brahmavar Petrol Pump, Kumragodu Cross, Kota Junction, Thekkette Junction, Kumbhashi Welcome Arch, Muloor, Kaup Vidyaniketan Junction, Pangala, Ambalpadi Junction, Nittur Junction, and Ambagilu Junction.

Previously, the district had identified around 30 black spots. The number has now been reduced to 20, leaving out some crucial accident-prone zones. Public opinion suggests this reduction could lead to more mishaps, urging authorities to reconsider and reinclude these areas after consulting the community.

Neglected Critical Locations

Several high-risk zones, including Brahmavar Bus Stand and Akashvani Junction, have been overlooked. Notably:

• The stretch from Mabukala Bridge to the Sasthan Primary Health Centre has seen over 30 accidents, including two fatalities in 2024 alone.
• Sasthan Junction and Saligrama Temple Junction recorded more than 20 accidents between 2022 and 2024, resulting in over four fatalities.
• Kota High School Junction, a key area with heavy student movement, continues to report frequent accidents.

Alarming Accident Statistics

In 2023, the district recorded 1,284 road accidents, resulting in 222 deaths and varying degrees of injuries in 1,381 cases. According to surveys, nearly 90% of these accidents were attributed to overspeeding and negligence, with some caused by unscientific road designs.

Proposed Solutions

Authorities have suggested several remedial measures for the neglected zones:

1. Brahmavar Junction: A detailed study is needed to address safety concerns.
2. Mabukala: Improve vehicle detection at the U-turn cross for traffic from Kundapur. Build a service road, bus stops, and install high-mast lights.
3. Sasthan Bus Stand: Prevent direct entry of vehicles onto the highway from Kodi Road. Vehicles should access the highway through a U-turn near the toll gate. Develop service roads and install high-mast lights here.
4. Saligrama Temple Junction: Ensure ongoing surveys lead to effective implementation of safety measures.
5. Kota High School Junction: Construct a pedestrian overpass, service road, and install signal systems for student safety.
6. Amruteshwari Junction: Heavy vehicle movement here necessitates detailed study and solutions.

Flawed Recommendations

Some proposed solutions have raised concerns. For instance: At Kota Junction, which reports high accident rates, closing the opening near Amruteshwari Temple and redirecting traffic through an underpass 50 meters away has been suggested. However, this underpass is a cattle pass unsuitable for heavy vehicles, making the recommendation impractical.

Official Response

Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP:  “We have already met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to address accident-prone areas between Byndoor and Mangaluru. A central team will visit the locations, conduct inspections, and submit a report. Corrective measures will be implemented in phases.”

Local Perspective

Shripathi Adhikari, Hangarakatte Resident: “Departments have failed to provide basic infrastructure and accident prevention measures at several black spots, including Mabukala. Authorities must act immediately.”