Kaup: The four-laning work of NH 66 is reaching its completion, but the number of accidents has not gone down. The number of accidents, deaths and injuries that have occurred along this 27kms stretch of road from Hejmady to Udyavar in the span of 27 months is horrifying.

As per the records, from January 2016 to March 30th 2018, 265 accidents have taken place within the limits of Kaup, Padubidri police stations. 76 people have died and 296 people have sustained injuries.

Udyavar-Korangrapady junction, front part of Halima Sabju hall, Udyavar junction, Udyavar bridge, Katapadi forest gate, Tekalatota, Katapadi junction, Kallapu bridge, Kambla Gadde, Pangala Katti lake, Vidyavardhaka school, Pangala temple, Pangala bridge, Uliyaragoli, Polipu junction, Kaup Vidyaniketan Junction, near Koppalangady Community Hall, Mulooru Billava Sangha, near Al Ehasan school, Uchhila-Mulooru junction, Uchhila market, Uchhila-Paneyuru junction, Uchhila-Yermal junction, Yermal Masjid, near Naraltaya Gudi, Padubidri market and Hejmady junction.

Since there are no service roads for vehicles approaching from the rural in-roads, the vehicles are forced to come in the opposite direction of the oncoming highway traffic, which in turn is the main reason the accidents occur here. At a few places, two wheelers spill over the divider and stand on the other road.

Due to the pain of accidents and deaths, the highway is getting a bad name. Even though a report on the danger at junctions has been given to the highway department, they have not taken any action on the proposed solutions. The police say that they have taken precautionary measures and have sent the information on it to the DC.

“The main reason for accidents is due to the lack of service roads at a few places along NH 66. The highway department must take action to shift the inadequate dividers and intersections. Provision of police guard and CC cameras at junctions must be taken,” observes Anil Shetty, an auto rickshaw driver.

“The police department has come forward to make use of barricades at dividers and junctions, fining motorists coming from opposite direction due to lack of service roads, installation of warning signs and spread awareness amongst the people. Importantly, it is possible to prevent accidents if the drivers take responsibility for the safety of their lives,” points out Halamurthy Rao, retires inspector, Kaup.