Chittoor, Tirupati Highways Lack Dedicated Trauma Care Facilities
The roads carry thousands of pilgrims travelling to Tirumala, Srikalahasti and Kanipakam every day.
Tirupati: Chittoor and Tirupati districts, which record hundreds of road accident deaths every year and serve as key transit corridors for pilgrims and motorists, do not have a dedicated trauma care centre along any of their national highways.
The absence of specialised emergency care facilities has emerged as a major concern, with 12 national highways passing through the two districts. Official data indicate that 50 to 55 people lose their lives in road accidents every month, while nearly 1,400 others sustain injuries annually.
Medical experts emphasise that the first hour after an accident, often referred to as the “golden hour”, is critical for saving lives and reducing the risk of complications.
“Trauma care centres are equipped to provide immediate specialised treatment through multidisciplinary teams comprising surgeons, orthopaedic specialists, anaesthetists and emergency care personnel. In their absence, victims are often referred from one hospital to another before receiving definitive care, leading to critical delays,” said Dr V. Rajendran, a trauma care specialist.
Tirupati district is connected by seven national highways, while five pass through Chittoor district. The roads carry thousands of pilgrims travelling to Tirumala, Srikalahasti and Kanipakam every day.
Accident-prone stretches include the Tirupati–Chennai and Puthalapattu–Naidupeta national highways, the Kadapa–Uthukottai road, the Mogili Ghat section between Chittoor and Palamaner, and the Bhakarapeta ghat road. Traffic volume has increased further due to ongoing highway expansion and expressway projects.
According to reports, overspeeding, rash overtaking, crossing road dividers and driver fatigue are among the major causes of accidents. In many cases, victims receive only primary treatment before being referred to hospitals with advanced facilities.
Several proposals to establish trauma care centres in the region have not materialised over the years. A trauma care facility sanctioned for the Chittoor Government Hospital was later shifted to Nellore, while proposals for centres at Nagari, Palamaner and Kuppam remained pending.
Puthalapattu MLA K. Murali Mohan recently renewed the demand for a trauma care centre at P. Kothakota. However, the proposal is yet to move forward despite a site inspection by district authorities.
Commuters and residents said trauma care centres at strategic locations such as Puthalapattu, Puttur and Naidupeta could help reduce fatalities by ensuring timely emergency treatment. They urged the government and public representatives to expedite the establishment of dedicated trauma care facilities in the two districts.
