NHAI Conducts Major Eviction Drive on NH-16 in Tangi to Boost Road Safety
On Monday, the National Highways Authority of India took decisive action to protect road commuters. In the Tangi section of NH-16, officials launched an eviction drive to clear structures that were blocking the right of way. This move aims directly at improving safety for all highway users.
Over 100 Structures Removed in Coordinated Effort
Highway authorities worked closely with local civic bodies and police forces during the operation. Together, they dismantled more than 100 makeshift and concrete structures that had sprung up along the highway. These encroachments were creating serious safety hazards for passing vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
The timing of this drive is particularly significant. It coincides with the ongoing National Road Safety Month, which runs from January 18 to February 17. This period emphasizes nationwide efforts to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
Officials Take Firm Action Against Squatters
Suraj Singh, the NHAI project director, explained their approach. "We already informed the squatters to vacate voluntarily. Some of them abided, while for others, we used our manpower," he stated. This combination of warnings and enforcement ensured the drive's effectiveness.
The Tangi section falls within the Cuttack region and had previously been declared a black spot for highway users. With the encroachments now cleared, valuable space has opened up on the highway. Officials plan to install crash barriers in this area, a measure expected to prevent accidents at this problematic location.
Experts Highlight Importance of Keeping High-Speed Corridors Clear
Syed Maqbool Ali, a former member of the National Road Safety Council, emphasized the critical nature of this action. "NH-16 is a high-speed corridor and it should remain free of encroachments. Since it passes right through Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, encroachment is rampant," he noted.
Ali further stressed the need for regular eviction drives to maintain road safety. "Majority of accidents in the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack region occurred due to these encroachments and stationary vehicles," he added, underlining the direct link between illegal structures and road incidents.
Commuters Welcome the Safety Initiative
Regular highway users expressed strong support for the eviction drive. Vikash Jena, a commuter, shared his perspective. "Any kind of shops or hotels should not be allowed to operate in the black spot regions. They should be provided with dedicated safe zones to function," he suggested.
Jena also pointed out a recurring challenge. "The NHAI should ensure that these kinds of encroachments do not re-appear on NH-16. The sites should be properly earmarked and safety equipment should be installed to achieve success," he advised.
Addressing a Persistent Problem on a Vital Highway
NH-16 runs directly through the heart of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, making it a crucial transportation artery. Unfortunately, safety hazards from encroachments have become a common issue along this route. While the NHAI periodically conducts eviction drives, encroachers often return to the same spots, creating an ongoing battle for authorities.
This latest drive represents a focused effort to break that cycle. By removing structures and planning to install safety barriers, officials hope to create lasting improvements. The action demonstrates a proactive approach to road safety management during a nationally recognized safety month.
