Although stopping is prohibited on the ORR, trucks and lorries frequently pull over. An official source noted that only four patrol vehicles cover the 158-km circuit and called for reinforcements: Reports
Although stopping is prohibited on the ORR, trucks and lorries frequently pull over. An official source noted that only four patrol vehicles cover the 158-km circuit and called for reinforcements. “Many commercial drivers come from other states and get confused by the 21 exit points,” the source said, explaining one of the reasons why vehicles stop by the roadside. Most such vehicles do not place alert structures to warn oncoming vehicles, something that is not monitored.
Data for 2024 show 300 minor accidents, 108 major accidents and 49 fatal accidents. Of the roughly two lakh daily road users, 80 per cent are cars and 20 per cent are heavy commercial vehicles. Lanes 1 and 2 are reserved for light, fast moving traffic, while lanes 3 and 4 are designated for heavy vehicles.
Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said accidents declined after LED lighting was installed, but lane discipline remains poor. “In the city drivers travel at 40-60 km/h; once on the ORR they accelerate to 120 km/h or more,” he observed.
Frequent user Bollavaram Harish Reddy believes stricter speed checks would deter reckless driving. Professional driver Raju, of Chandanagar, wants breath tests and a ban on unroadworthy vehicles at entry points. An ORR official replied that alcohol checks at toll plazas would create congestion and suggested that the transport department conduct surprise inspections of unfit vehicles instead, something that has yet to happen.
