Mohali District Road Safety Analysis Identifies High-Risk Zones and 93 Black Spots
A comprehensive analysis of road accident data spanning from 2022 to 2024, conducted by the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre (PRSTRC), has pinpointed Derabassi and Kharar as the most fatal zones within Mohali district. The study, which scrutinized three years of traffic incident records, highlights critical areas requiring immediate intervention to curb the rising toll of road fatalities.
Derabassi and Kharar Lead in Fatalities, Airport Road Emerges as High-Risk Stretch
Over the three-year period, Derabassi recorded a staggering 97 deaths due to road accidents, establishing it as the deadliest zone in Mohali. Following closely, Kharar reported 72 fatalities, underscoring a severe safety crisis in these regions. Additionally, Airport Road has been identified as a particularly hazardous stretch, with 52 fatalities documented across various black spots along its length. Notably, under the Phase-1 police station jurisdiction alone, 15 deaths occurred, emphasizing localized danger zones.
Definition and Identification of 93 Accident Black Spots in Mohali
The PRSTRC study meticulously identified 93 accident black spots across Mohali district. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), a black spot is defined as a 500-metre stretch or junction where either five accidents resulting in fatalities or grievous injuries, or a total of 10 fatalities, have occurred within a three-year timeframe. This classification helps authorities prioritize areas for safety enhancements and targeted measures.
Official Response and Planned Corrective Actions by Mohali Administration
In response to the alarming findings, Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal has announced that the identified high-risk stretches will undergo a detailed review. "Corrective and preventive measures will be initiated at the earliest to reduce road accidents and enhance overall safety," Mittal stated. She further revealed that a review meeting is scheduled for next week to finalize a comprehensive action plan aimed at addressing these critical safety issues.
Comparative Analysis: Lower Fatalities in Other Mohali Areas Highlight Need for Focused Intervention
While other areas in Mohali, including Mohali city, Zirakpur, and Mullanpur, also reported fatal crashes, the numbers were significantly lower compared to Derabassi, Kharar, and Airport Road. This disparity underscores the urgent need for focused intervention in the high-risk zones identified by the study. The data suggests that targeted safety measures, such as improved signage, traffic calming infrastructure, and enhanced enforcement, could be pivotal in reducing accident rates in these critical areas.
The PRSTRC analysis serves as a crucial wake-up call for local authorities and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches to road safety. With 93 black spots now mapped, the path forward involves not only immediate corrective actions but also long-term strategies to foster a safer traffic environment across Mohali district.
