A speed breaker has been installed at the junction of Sivaganga Main Road and Sixth Main Road in Gomathipuram, Madurai, following a news report published in the Times of India on May 9. The report, titled "Poor road safety poses danger near Velu Nachiyar flyover," highlighted the urgent need for safety measures on that stretch due to high-speed vehicular movement.
Background of the Issue
The report noted that vehicles traveling towards Pandi Kovil on the Vandiyur tank side of the road often speed excessively, leading to fatal accidents at that spot. In response to the article, D Raghavan, president of the Gomathipuram Residents' Welfare Association, submitted a petition to District Collector K J Praveen Kumar on May 11, urging immediate action.
Installation of Speed Breaker
On Tuesday, the state highways department acted on the complaint and installed a speed breaker on the road to slow down speeding vehicles. The move was widely welcomed by local residents, who had long been demanding safety measures for the accident-prone zone.
Resident Concerns
While appreciating the prompt response from officials, D Raghavan pointed out that the white paint on the speed breaker began to fade within hours of installation. He expressed concern that the speed breaker would not be visible at night, increasing the risk of accidents. "The speed breaker will not be visible at night. A high mast streetlamp needs to be erected as well to illuminate the speed breaker better," he said.
Additional Safety Measures Needed
Residents have urged the authorities to install a high mast streetlamp near the speed breaker to ensure visibility during nighttime. They also called for regular maintenance of the paint to keep the speed breaker clearly marked. The installation of the speed breaker is seen as a positive step, but further measures are needed to ensure comprehensive road safety in the area.
