The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reinstated speed reducers on the service lanes of National Highway-16 (NH-16) near the main entrance of Utkal University in Bhubaneswar.
These traffic calming measures, initially installed to enhance road safety, had deteriorated over time due to a lack of regular maintenance, raising concerns among commuters and pedestrians about the increased risk of accidents in the area. Experts have long highlighted the critical need for road safety measures on the service lanes of NH-16, particularly near Utkal University. The frequent movement of pedestrians, coupled with wrong-side driving and speeding, has made these areas prone to accidents. Syed Maqbool Ali, a former member of the National Road Safety Council, emphasized that the design of the service lane near Utkal University forces people to drive on the wrong side, making traffic calming measures such as speed reducers and reflectors essential for ensuring safety.
Debendra Mohapatra, a student at Utkal University, expressed relief over the reinstatement of speed reducers. He noted that students often had to navigate through speeding vehicles coming from the opposite direction to reach the university from Vani Vihar Square, posing significant safety risks.
Suraj Singh, Project Director at NHAI, affirmed the authority’s commitment to enhancing road safety. He stated that the reinstatement of speed reducers at Utkal University is part of a broader initiative to implement necessary traffic calming measures at critical points along NH-16, including the service lane near Rasulgarh Square. Singh highlighted that the introduction of these measures has already led to a significant reduction in accidents, underscoring their effectiveness in improving road safety.
The NHAI’s proactive approach in addressing road safety concerns reflects a growing recognition of the need for regular maintenance and timely interventions to ensure the safety of all road users. As urban areas continue to expand and traffic volumes increase, the implementation of effective traffic calming measures will be crucial in mitigating risks and promoting safer road environments.
The reinstatement of speed reducers near Utkal University serves as a model for other regions grappling with similar road safety challenges, demonstrating the positive impact of targeted interventions in enhancing commuter and pedestrian safety.
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