In a crucial move to enhance road safety, authorities have installed four new speed breakers on a notoriously dangerous stretch of the Trichy-Karur national highway. This 23-kilometre section, managed by the state highways department, has been a site of frequent and fatal accidents, prompting urgent intervention.
A Highway Notorious for Tragedies
The narrow highway, which runs adjacent to the Cauvery river, holds a grim distinction. It was officially identified as one of the top 100 accident-prone highways in Tamil Nadu. The severity of the situation is highlighted by the fact that this stretch alone recorded at least 44 deaths in the previous year. For a long time, this two-lane road with paved shoulders lacked proper speed-calming measures, a deficiency that contributed to numerous fatalities, including the tragic death of the Musiri RDO in June.
Targeted Intervention at Key Spots
Acting on recommendations from the police, the state highways department took concrete steps a few days ago. The four new speed breakers have been strategically placed near the Mutharasanallur railway station and the Jeeyapuram bus stop junction. These locations were specifically identified and notified by the police as critical zones where controlling vehicle speed was paramount.
The early response from regular commuters and road users has been positive. Many have reported a noticeable and drastic reduction in speeding, particularly by motorcycles and buses, since the installation of these traffic calming devices.
Concerns Over Permanence and Precedent
While the new measures are welcome, road safety advocates have voiced a significant concern. P Aiyarappan, organiser of the Road Users Welfare Trust, pointed out a worrying pattern. "Our concern is that the speed breakers will be removed during VVIP visits. If so, authorities must restore them soon after the visit," he stated. This fear is not unfounded.
There is a recent precedent within Trichy itself. The city corporation has only partially restored speed breakers that were removed ahead of the Chief Minister's visit in September. As of now, the speed breakers on Collector Office Road near Raja Colony and Anna Nagar Link Road near MGR Roundabout remain unreinstated.
This action on the national highway contrasts with the earlier approach of Trichy police, who primarily relied on placing barricades in other accident-prone areas like Thindukkarai, Andanallur, and Kambarasampettai. The installation of permanent speed breakers represents a more substantial, albeit delayed, commitment to saving lives on this perilous stretch of road.
