Fatal Negligence on Purnia Highways: Rampant Cutting of Crash Barriers to Create Illegal Passages
Purnia. National Highways (NH) and State Highways (SH) passing through the Purnia district are rapidly turning into 'death zones'. The arbitrary cutting of crash barriers—installed for highway safety—to create illegal passages, along with unauthorized open cuts near barricades, has laid a death trap for drivers and pedestrians. An investigation by Hindustan reveals that local vested interests and the tendency to take shortcuts have completely compromised the safety infrastructure of these highways.
Challenging the Safety Shield
Crash barriers along highways are installed to prevent vehicles from falling into gorges or crossing over the divider to the opposite side in the event of an accident. However, in various parts of Purnia, these barriers are being brazenly dismantled using gas cutters to create illegal pathways. This is not only a blatant violation of highway authority regulations but also a direct threat to the lives of thousands of commuters who travel at high speeds on these roads.
At the local level, it has been observed that barriers are being fearlessly cut to provide easy access to dhabas, petrol pumps, and private properties. In some places, cement blocks have been removed to create illegal intersections, from where two-wheelers and e-rickshaws suddenly emerge onto the main road, constantly posing a risk of major accidents.
Misuse of Barricading and Illegal Cuts
While crash barriers are being dismantled on one side, a network of illegal cuts has also spread near the barricades set up by the police and administration. It is often seen that vehicles are forced to slow down where barricades are placed. Taking advantage of this, unauthorized cuts have been made right next to the barricading. Traffic jams are a constant feature at such locations, and heavy vehicles approaching at high speeds often meet with accidents due to sudden braking.
The Rising Graph of Accidents
An analysis of the causes of highway accidents in Purnia reveals a startling fact: nearly 40 percent of these crashes are caused by these illegal cuts. This is especially dangerous during the night, when the lack of proper signage near these unauthorized intersections leaves drivers unable to anticipate the danger. In recent months, several incidents have been reported where people lost their lives after colliding with vehicles that suddenly entered the main road from these illegal paths.
Administrative Apathy or Collusion?
The question arises: how is such vandalism possible in highly sensitive areas like highways without some form of collusion? Experts suggest that a state of anarchy prevails due to the sheer indifference of the concerned departmental officials. While claims are made from time to time about closing illegal cuts, they are often reopened within a matter of days. Conscious citizens and social workers of Purnia have demanded strict action from the administration in this regard.
What Do the Experts Say?
Road safety experts believe that strict adherence to 'Access Control' on highways is mandatory. If everyone starts carving out their own paths for personal convenience, the very purpose of a highway will be defeated. They have recommended the following measures:
Intensive Patrolling: Highway patrol teams must identify illegal cuts and close them immediately.
Strict Penalties: FIRs should be lodged against those who cut crash barriers to make illegal paths.
Technological Solutions: CCTV cameras must be installed at locations prone to illegal cuts to ensure constant monitoring.
Public Awareness: Locals need to be educated that an illegal shortcut can become a death trap, not only for them but also for other commuters on the road.
Highway safety is paramount and supersedes anyone's personal convenience. The Purnia administration must now adopt a 'zero tolerance' policy in this matter. If these illegal paths are not permanently closed in time, these highways will soon turn into the 'Gates of Death'. Sparing those who tamper with highway safety is akin to directly inviting major tragedies.
