NTR District Administration Launches Pioneering 'Black Spot Tour' to Combat Road Accidents
In a significant and proactive initiative aimed at curbing the rising number of road accidents, the NTR district administration has launched a first-of-its-kind 'black spot tour'. This comprehensive effort is designed to identify and address accident-prone areas across the district, with a particular focus on enhancing road safety and reducing fatalities.
Multi-Departmental Inspection of Critical Locations
The initiative saw police commissioner SV Rajasekhara Babu, district collector Dr G Lakshmisha, and officials from 12 different departments embark on a detailed bus tour. They meticulously inspected 28 identified black spots along the NH-65 and NH-16 stretches in and around Vijayawada city. The inspection commenced from Ketanakonda on NH-65, covering major junctions such as Benz Circle, Kanaka Durga Flyover entry, Ramavarappadu Ring, and Mahanadu Junction, before culminating at Enikepadu on NH-16, spanning a total distance of 40 kilometres.
During the tour, officials conducted thorough on-ground assessments, reviewed historical accident patterns, and suggested a range of corrective measures. These recommendations include infrastructure upgrades, improved signage, and better traffic regulation at the identified spots to mitigate risks and enhance overall safety.
Decline in Accidents and Future Goals
Police commissioner Rajasekhara Babu highlighted a positive trend, noting that road accident deaths within the NTR district police commissionerate limits have decreased from 453 in 2024 to 378 in 2025. He attributed this decline to increased awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement measures. However, he emphasized that the police aim to further reduce fatalities in 2026, acknowledging challenges such as higher vehicle speeds on the Vijayawada West Bypass, which have led to an increase in accidents, particularly involving two-wheeler riders.
District collector Lakshmisha urged motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and stressed the critical need for inter-departmental coordination to implement effective solutions. He assured that infrastructure improvements at the identified black spots would be undertaken promptly to address safety concerns.
Analysis of Black Spots and Targeted Interventions
Based on a detailed three-year analysis, 123 black spots have been identified for targeted interventions on the National Highway passing through Vijayawada, with a particular focus on the NH-65 stretch towards Hyderabad. Key factors contributing to the high number of accidents and fatalities include sharp curves, blind spots, illegal median openings, and heavy traffic congestion. In response, efforts are underway to install warning signs, improve road geometry, and close illegal medians to enhance safety.
Key Black Spots Under Scrutiny
Ketanakonda: This suburb along the Vijayawada-Hyderabad NH-65 stretch is notorious for frequent road accidents. Issues include two-wheeler riders making sudden U-turns, pedestrians crossing the highway abruptly, helmetless riding, poor illumination leading to low night-time visibility, and unregulated vehicle entry from residential settlements. Police have recommended measures such as improved illumination, strict enforcement of helmet usage, and dedicated pedestrian crossings to curb accidents.
Gollapudi Y-Junction: Located on NH-65 in Vijayawada, this junction has seen a significant increase in vehicular movement and accidents due to expanded residential colonies following improved road connectivity from the Vijayawada West Bypass. Primary concerns include one-way violations by two-wheeler and autorickshaw drivers and reckless pedestrian crossings. Proposed solutions include installing median dividers on wider service roads, strict enforcement of helmet rules, and better regulation of U-turns.
Skew Bridge Junction: Situated on NH-16 near the busy Benz Circle, this junction presents a complex and hazardous traffic situation. Vehicles descending from the Benz Circle flyover merge with traffic heading towards Ramalingeswara Nagar, while vehicles from Varadhi approach from the opposite direction, leading to accidents, including instances of heavy vehicles losing balance. Traffic police have suggested redesigning the slightly T-shaped flyover landing, installing radium reflectors, and improving illumination for enhanced night-time visibility.
This comprehensive 'black spot tour' represents a crucial step towards creating safer roads in Vijayawada, with a multi-faceted approach involving assessment, planning, and implementation of safety measures to protect motorists and pedestrians alike.
