Patiala Residents Take Road Safety Into Their Own Hands After Fatal Crash
In a dramatic display of community action, residents of Patiala installed reflectors on newly constructed speed-control tables along Nabha's Circular Road, following a fatal accident they attribute to administrative failure. This move comes hours after a 32-year-old Malerkotla resident, Yogesh Chabra, died in the early hours of Saturday when his car hit an unmarked speed table and rammed into a tree.
Administration Denies Responsibility, Cites Other Factors
Executive engineer Gaurav Singla refuted claims that missing reflectors caused the tragedy. He attributed the crash to over-speeding and stray cattle, stating, "The car was over-speeding and hit the tree due to stray cattle on the road. The speed-control tables are clearly visible." Singla explained that nine speed tables are being built along the 4.5-km Circular Road, with four completed. He noted that cat's eye markers were being installed on Saturday as part of the planned schedule, not due to public pressure.
Residents Highlight Long-Standing Safety Concerns
Despite official statements, locals insist visibility issues have been a persistent problem. They claim to have repeatedly demanded reflective signage and warned the administration about risks. Over the past four months, residents report at least six fatalities and several injuries on the Circular Road, blaming:
- High speeds
- Poor lighting
- Problematic road design
They argue speed tables require standard warning boards, reflective chevrons, and consistent street lighting to be effective. Advocate Reetiqbal Singh, a local resident, emphasized, "We couldn't wait for another life to be lost. If the administration won't install reflectors, the community will."
Community Action and Ongoing Monitoring
Rajinder Singh, another resident, acknowledged that while speed tables improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheelers, they remain hazardous for motorists without proper visibility markers. DSP Nabha GS Bal confirmed awareness of the concerns and promised to "look into the matter" to prevent further accidents.
Residents continue to monitor the stretch and have urged the Public Works Department to install permanent, high-intensity reflectors and adequate signage promptly. This incident underscores growing tensions between community safety initiatives and administrative accountability in Patiala's road infrastructure projects.
