National Highway 1 becomes a death trap in foggy mornings

Lovleen Bains

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Doraha, December 27

Commuters on National Highway 1 had a tough time driving amid dense fog these days. Though the work of six laning the highway is finally going on at a fast pace, the authorities are yet to take measures to ensure safe driving in such extreme weather conditions.

“Trenches dug up for road widening have been left unfilled,” said a commuter, who had a close shave. He barely managed to steer his car off a deep trench on the highway.

There are iron bars installed in these trenches. Two-wheeler riders and cyclists are always at the risk of falling in these trenches in the foggy weather. “The workers have tied a ribbon on the sides of the trench. The ribbon can hardly save a commuter from falling in it in case of an accident,” said another commuter.

Harbans Singh Sains from Sahnewal said: “The work of road widening has led to the narrowing of the passage for four commuters. Many persons have lost lives in accidents on this stretch. Reflectors and other road safety signals required on roads under construction are yet to be installed at certain points.”

“As fog is going to become denser in the days to come, special arrangements should have been made by the NHAI authorities at the very onset of winter. In the absence of proper signages, barricades and speed humps, driving on the stretch requires extra caution,” said Pritam Sing Jaggi of Doraha.

Jagjiwan Pal Singh Gill, a resident of Doraha, said: “The construction agency should make specific arrangements, so that commuters slow down well before reaching these dangerous spots on the stretch.”

Spokesman for ISOLUX, construction agency, said: “Safety of the commuters is our utmost priority and we are committed to completing the four-laning of the highway. Construction as well as maintenance work is in progress.”