The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has closed all illegal cuts on the Kundli-Panipat stretch of NH-44 in Sonepat following a directive from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Narender Kadyan. The action comes after a Tribune report on June 20 highlighted ten black spots on the highway amid rising road fatalities.
DCP Orders FIRs and Enhanced Patrolling
During a meeting with NHAI officials on Monday, DCP Kadyan instructed the authority to intensify patrolling and register FIRs against individuals or commercial establishments found reopening illegal cuts. He emphasized that illegal openings in front of dhabas, hotels, restaurants, liquor vends, petrol pumps, and other commercial establishments must be permanently closed.
Kadyan also directed NHAI to increase the number of CCTV cameras and cranes on the highway, raise the height of roadside and median grills, and strengthen pedestrian safety measures. The meeting covered illegal cuts, black spots, pedestrian safety, availability of safety equipment, and emergency response arrangements.
Pedestrian Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades
The DCP noted that many pedestrians cross the highway by jumping over grills that are only about four feet high. He directed NHAI to increase grill height to seven feet, repair damaged sections, and construct foot overbridges at vulnerable locations to reduce pedestrian fatalities. Additionally, he ordered curbing illegal parking under flyovers at Bahalgarh, Murthal, and Ganaur, and removing encroachments from service roads.
Emergency Response and CCTV Expansion
Kadyan instructed NHAI to ensure round-the-clock availability of route patrolling vehicles, ambulances, and cranes for quick rescue operations during emergencies. He said currently 15 to 20 CCTV cameras are installed on NH-44, and NHAI has been asked to triple that number.
“Rising accidental deaths on highways are a serious concern. NHAI has informed us that all illegal cuts on NH-44 from Kundli to Panipat have been closed,” Kadyan said.
Accident Data Shows Mixed Trends
According to data up to May 2026, 382 accidents were reported on NH-44, including 162 fatal accidents that claimed 179 lives. During the same period in 2025, 521 accidents occurred, of which 160 were fatal, resulting in 167 deaths. While total accidents declined by 26.88% this year, fatal accidents increased by 1.25% and accident-related deaths rose by 7.19%.
