ADGP Alok Kumar inspects expressway stretch in Mandya district, hears out locals

MANDYA: Three days after conducting an inspection of the Bengaluru and Mysuru 10-lane expressway in Ramanagara district, Additional Director General of Police-Traffic and Road Safety (ADGP) Alok Kumar on Friday checked the condition of the expressway in Mandya district and suggested some corrective measures to the National Highways Authoritiy of India (NHAI) officials.

Locals complained to the ADGP about the incomplete work on the service road, lack of drainage facilities and speed breakers at certain points. Alok Kumar instructed the NHAI officials to attend to the issues and told them that along with the NHAI, the people will also take the police department to task for the deficiencies. He also asked them to install signages at curves along the expressway.

The ADGP held discussions with NHAI officials on corrective measures to be taken.

An aged woman complained that rain water was entering her hut as the drainage on the service road ws not alright. Another local, Bomme Gowda, highlighted that motorists park on the road during weekends and indulge in drinking while playing loud music.

Later, speaking to media persons, Alok Kumar said that at some stretches, there are no footpaths on the service road, no underpasses and inundation which can cause accidents. “The service road has not been fenced properly and no cameras have been fixed. We will continuously mount pressure on the NHAI to rectify the mistakes so that we can bring down the number of accidents. We will deploy four patrol vehicles and speed radar guns and check vehicles for working of tail lamps, indicators, etc to minimise loss of lives”, he said while recalling the death of a couple on a two-wheeler who rammed into a broken down truck on Wednesday night.

Alok Kumar briefing the media after conducting an inspection of the expressway in Mandya district.

Warning that licences of motorists will be suspended or cancelled for violating norms, the ADGP said drunk driving checks will be conducted at the toll gate. A gazette notification banning two-wheelers from the expressway will also be issued soon, he said.

“So far, 64 people have died in accidents in Mandya district and 58 in Ramanagara district. Many people lack driving skills and one of the main reasons for accidents is overspeeding. The RTO officials should be more strict in issuing driving licences”, he added.