Interceptors, patrols to curb deaths on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway

BENGALURU: Indicating speeding, poor knowledge of road rules and jaywalking were the main reasons for the high number of deaths on the newly constructed Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway, home minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday listed various measures the government will initiate to curb.
“Steps are being taken to increase patrolling along the motorway to prevent accidents and robberies,” Parameshwara said in the legislative assembly in response to a question from S Suresh Kumar of BJP.“If patrol vehicles are deployed every 30 or 35km, personnel can check speeding and crimes. They will ensure vehicles do not park illegally along the stretch. ”
He said speeding was perhaps the biggest cause for the high number of accidents. “The road is smooth, and people tend to overspeed. Motorists try to overtake and take sharp turns without braking, leading to cars toppling. Wewill deploy interceptors to curb speeding,” he said.
He said sign boards indicating deviations or exits to villages will be installed and the government will spreadawareness on lane discipline and at what speed vehicles can travel in each of the three lanes. “Many motorists are ignorant of traffic rules on highways,” he said. “RTOs are issuing licences without conducting proper tests or ascertaining applicants’ knowledge of traffic rules. ”
Parameshwara also said the expressway needs to be fenced to prevent people from walking across the road with utter disregard to vehicles. He said steps will be taken to instal street lights along the stretch, especially at places where the motorway connects to underpasses. “Although street lights were installed, locals have removed them. Instructions have already been given to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) in this regard,” he said.
He said the public works department minister Satish Jarkiholi had written to NHAI to conduct a safety audit of the highway and to take measures to rectify shortcomings. “Our department will also write to NHAI regarding issues like lack of signage. We will take measures to regulate speeding,” he said.
Parameshwara said Alok Kumar, ADGP (traffic and safety) recently inspected parts of the highway and gave his inputs. “Highway patrols will prevent unauthorised stoppages along the road. We also intend to introduce lane discipline by bringing all heavy vehicles like trucks and containers to one lane to ensure smooth travel,” he added.
WHAT THE GOVT PLANS
● Interceptors at designated places to curb over-speeding
● Highway patrol teams at 30-35km intervals to prevent illegal parking
● Ensuring lane discipline by pushing all heavy vehicles into one lane
● Adequate warning signs at turns and ahead of dangerous stretches
● NHAI safety audit
Source: State Home Department