The driver of an Andhra Pradesh bus died as he lost control over the wheels at Kanamala.
Rishiraj Singh
Thiruvananthapuram: The Safe Zone project started by former transport commissioner Rishiraj Singh to reduce mishaps along two trunk roads leading to Sabarimala has suffered early setbacks as two lives were lost during the onset of the pilgrim season.
Deaths could be avoided and mishaps dropped by four percent due to rampant checking on the 300-km stretch around Sabarimala during the 2013 season. However, three lives were lost in 2014.
Earlier this season, the driver of an Andhra Pradesh bus died as he lost control over the wheels at Kanamala. Another driver was killed after his sedan rammed into a transformer that collapsed onto the vehicle.
“We have pulled up the socks as not less than 50,000 vehicles rush in and out daily from pilgrim shrine area. All major vehicle companies have their service teams to help,” said the Ranni RTO.
He added that the Ayyappa Seva Sangam had increasingly started distributing 'chukku kappi' to keep drivers awake.
Motor vehicle department (MVD) has over 36 squads to check the details of each vehicle including their tyre condition. Meanwhile, accidents are high on places like Achan Koil-Chittar road that caters to travelers from Theni side across TN border.
”In places at Attathodu and Laha, there were geographical factors triggering mishaps. Reflective barriers and rubble strips were installed. The rate of mishaps are in total control though we had some tragic events in the beginning,” said a revenue official who coordinates with the MVD for Safe Zone.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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