NHAI told to rectify black spots on Parwanoo-Kaithighat stretch

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Solan Manmohan Sharma today directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to rectify the accident-prone black spots on the Parwanoo-Kaithighat national highway as there were frequent cases of loaded vehicles turning turtle on this stretch.

He made these observations during a review meeting held with officials of the NHAI here today. Sharma said, “The national highway is of strategic importance for Solan, Shimla and Kinnaur districts and it strengthens the economy of the agrarian community as well as the horticulturists.”

“It is the responsibility of the NHAI to ensure apt safety standards of this highway. Though the commuters are getting better facilities on the four-lane, some challenges have also arisen from the point of view of security. It is necessary to resolve these challenges,” he observed.

It was pointed out at the meeting that some accident-prone “black spots” had emerged at places like a sharp bend near the LIC office in Solan, Jabli market etc. It has become imminent to adopt precautionary measures to prevent frequent accidents at these places.

The DC further directed the NHAI to construct speed breakers at such places, install signages and adopt other necessary measures to prevent accidents. In view of the safety of the pedestrians, especially school children, the DC directed the NHAI to speed up construction of foot over bridges at Jabli below the government senior secondary school, near Kumarhatti below the Dagshai government school as well as at other identified places. Some residents were stalling the construction of a foot over bridge at Jabli. However, since a large number of school children crossed the highway daily, the DC directed the NHAI to expedite the work.

He also directed the officials to explore the possibilities of constructing a foot over bridge near the Subathu road at Saproon. “In view of the movement of a large number of students near MRA DAV and Gurukul Vidyalaya, foot over bridge should also be constructed here.”

He instructed the NHAI to maintain smooth inflow of traffic in view of the four-laning work and ensure regular spray of water at the construction site to contain the flying dust as drivers face visibility issues problems, which lead to accidents. The presence of dust on the road also causes health problems.

Notably, though the speed limit over the four-laned highway is 60 km per hour and the safe limit is 40 km per hour, but reckless driving has become rampant given the wide roads. This has become a major challenge for the police which has introduced e-challans at select places to deter overspeeding drivers.