Supreme Court Road Safety Committee Demands Detailed Report on Fatal Berhampur Bridge Accident
The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has taken a serious stance on the tragic accident at the Haladiapadar railway overbridge on NH-16 near Berhampur, directing the Odisha state government to submit a comprehensive report. The incident, which occurred on January 31, involved a truck colliding with three motorcycles, resulting in the deaths of five individuals.
Committee's Directives and Deadline
Chaired by Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, the committee has formally requested Chief Secretary Anu Garg to provide the accident report by March 5. This move underscores the panel's commitment to addressing road safety lapses and ensuring accountability in the wake of such devastating events.
Beyond the immediate accident details, the committee has emphasized the need for the state government to outline specific steps taken to prevent similar tragedies. Key concerns highlighted include poor enforcement of traffic laws, excessive speeding, and the dangerous practice of wrong-side driving, all of which contribute to the high rate of road accidents in the region.
Historical Context and Structural Concerns
Police records reveal a grim history for the Haladiapadar overbridge, with at least 15 fatalities and 22 serious injuries reported over the past seven years. This alarming statistic has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into potential structural defects.
In response, expert teams from the works department, railways, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are expected to conduct a joint inspection soon. Their objective is to assess whether design or construction flaws are responsible for the frequent accidents at this location.
A senior engineer from the works department confirmed that an expert committee, initially scheduled to visit on February 16, will soon be joined by specialists from NHAI and railways to evaluate the bridge's structural integrity.
Political Involvement and Previous Appeals
The issue has drawn political attention, with Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy having written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in October of last year. In his correspondence, Panigrahy raised alarms about the recurring accidents, attributing them to alleged faulty construction and design of the bridge, and urged immediate corrective measures.
The Supreme Court committee's intervention marks a significant escalation in efforts to tackle road safety in Odisha, reflecting broader national concerns over traffic law enforcement and infrastructure safety. As the March 5 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the state government's response and the forthcoming expert inspections, which could pave the way for crucial safety enhancements.
