Keonjhar: Error in construction and incomplete work on highways and roads have turned out to be the major factors behind the ever-increasing rate of road mishaps in Keonjhar district as 17 black spots were identified on National Highway-20 and National Highway-520 passing through the district. Reports said 95 per cent of the accidents are occurring on the NH20 and NH-520 that pass through the district. Two-wheeler riders are the major contributors to road mishaps due to driving under the influence of alcohol, rash driving, speeding, and overtaking vehicles in the front.
Illegal parking of vehicles on the roadside is another reason behind the rise in mishaps. It is alleged that errors in road construction and incomplete road work on NH-20 and NH-520 (Panikoili to Rimuli and from Rimuli to Rajamunda) that pass through the district have led to a spurt in mishaps. Concerned over the development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has identified 17 black spots contributing to the mishaps.
Meanwhile, they have plugged two of the black spots. The identified black spots are Bhadrasahi Square under Barbil police limits, Naradpur Square and Jamudalak Angulia Square under Champua police limits, Bali Jodi Square, Dhenkikote over bridge, and Piplia under Ghatagaon police limits, Alughati and Harichandanpur under Harichandanpur police limits, Kuanjharan ghat road under Pandapada police limits, Kusum ghat road and Kanjipani ghat road under Kanjipani police limits, Badapasi, Gopalpur, Padmapur Square, Raisuan over the bridge, Palashpanga Square under Sadar police limits and Barkhola under Ghasipura police limits in the district.
According to a government report, 349 persons lost their lives in 669 road accidents that took place from January to November, 2022. As many as 460 individuals were rendered disabled after losing their limbs or due to serious physical impairment due to accidents.
In 2021, 316 persons lost their lives in 621 roads mishaps in the district while 495 were permanently disabled. When contacted, regional transport officer (RTO) Gopal Krushna Das said that raids are being conducted in intervals to check road mishaps. Moreover, steps like cancellation of driving licenses and road permits are also being taken. He urged the commuters to be aware and protect themselves by observing the traffic rules and cooperating with the transport department to reduce road accidents and related loss of life and property.