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Monday, Feb 25, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Bandam accident: who is to blame?

Staff Reporter

Drivers involved chose to ply on the ‘wrong’ side of the road due to bad road condition

ADILABAD: Who is to be blamed for the Bandam road accident that evidently occurred due to bad condition of the road? Drivers of the jeep and the lorry involved in the accident had both chosen to ply on the ‘wrong’ side of the road because of the pathetic condition of road on their left.

The accident brings into focus the role of authorities in Adilabad who in the shape of district administration and in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has continued to be indifferent and insensitive to the problem.

The NH 7 has been in a disastrous state since two years and more. Almost all sections of the society in Adilabad have protested the bad condition of roads between Penganga bridge bordering Maharashtra and the Soan bridge bordering Nizamabad.

Of the entire 11 km stretch of this road that badly needs repair only a fraction has been repaired on Mahabub ghats.

Uneven road

At many long stretches like between Penganga and Bhoraj check post, Mavala and Ichoda the top coat of the black surface has come out creating unevenness on the road. At many other spots crater like holes are exposed on the road that cause great problems for the unsuspecting motorist on the highway.

Furore

Late last year, the death of family members of an advocate from Bhainsa near Gowliguda ghat section had caused furore among people. Adilabad Bar Association had even demanded booking of criminal cases against those responsible for the road continuing to be in bad shape. There are many similar incidents that claimed lives of scores of people.

It is learnt that the maintenance of the old carriageway has to be carried out by the contracting firm that is executing the four-laning works in respective stretches. Unfortunately this has not been done so far causing great inconvenience to people.

Going by past experiences the authorities will continue to be indifferent and insensitive to such issues and people will throw the ghastly memory into the dust bin of time.

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