On an average, one person is killed and six people are injured every day on the Mysuru-Bengaluru National Highway. Overspeeding and increase in vehicular density, especially during weekends and vacations, have turned the stretch into a death trap.
According to traffic police, speeding vehicles, especially those driven by youths under the influence of liquor, are said to be the reason behind the increasing accidents on the route.
There are also several incidents, where speeding vehicles lose control and veer on to the opposite lane resulting in accidents. Many villagers have lost their lives while crossing the road and many others are maimed for life.
Road humps
In an effort to curb rising deaths and accidents, more than 50 road humps were laid on the Mysuru-Bengaluru stretch a couple of years ago.
As there were complaints that these speed breakers were increasing the time of travel, the humps were removed last year and metal barricades were set up on the spots. But these barricades did not last long, as motorists driving at night rammed into them due to poor visibility.
Vehicular density
Almost 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles ply on the route every day. The numbers rise to 70,000 during weekends and vacations when tourists drive to popular tourist spots in Mandya, Mysuru and Kodagu region. With a majority of accidents occurring in Mandya limits, SP Sudhir Kumar Reddy has set a speed limit of 60 kmph.
Choultries
There are seven choultries on the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway without any parking facilities. Those attending weddings become victims while crossing roads. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nagabushan has ordered choultry owners to make parking arrangements on the spot and also appoint guards during weddings.
After the route was declared as National Highway, works have begun to lay an eight-lane road. Land acquisition work has been completed and work is expected to be completed in the next two years.
SP Sudhir Kumar Reddy said told Deccan Herald the iron barricades have been damaged. The authorities concerned have been told to redesign the barricades and use them till the eight-lane road is completed.