PNS | DEHRADUN
In the wake of Monday’s tragic bus accident in Almora district that claimed 36 lives, the Transport department has launched a comprehensive survey to identify and address accident-prone areas across Dehradun division that include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Vikasnagar, Dehradun, Roorkee and Tehri.
The department has taken this action as a response to mounting public concern over road safety in the region’s mountainous terrain, which has seen frequent fatal accidents due to hazardous road conditions, the regional transport officer (Enforcement) Shailesh Tiwari said. He has instructed all assistant regional transport officers (ARTOs) in the Dehradun division to conduct a joint inspection with police and Public Works Department (PWD) officials, focusing on identifying high-risk sections of roads. This includes not only surveying previously identified locations but also re-evaluating these sites for any further risks. Tiwari said that the initiative mandates officials to meticulously record the precise location data, including latitude and longitude, alongside detailed descriptions of each site, its distance from major landmarks and proposed safety measures to mitigate accidents. Tiwari informed that accident-prone locations are often marked by a combination of dangerous factors such as narrow roads, sharp curves, inadequate crash barriers and landslide-prone areas.
In the mountains, the lack of warning signs, road markings and proper lighting often exacerbates risks, particularly on steep slopes and blind curves where oncoming vehicles are not visible. Officials will also examine areas with bottlenecks, potholes or obstructive structures like utility poles, trees and hoardings on road shoulders during the survey. They will assess steep mountain roads lacking proper markings and signboards, areas with unauthorised medians and poorly lit residential sections where inadequate safety measures pose an added risk to travellers. Tiwari said that the officials will submit the findings from this survey by December 31.
The report will be reviewed by a committee comprising members from the Transport department, police and PWD that will also recommend urgent road safety improvements. Based on their recommendations, the department will plan to prioritise enhancements such as installing crash barriers, additional road signs and road widening efforts in critical areas. He further said that the survey aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of safety issues on roads, many of which traverse challenging terrain and to implement corrective measures to prevent further tragedies like the Almora accident.
