Over 400 illegal cuts closed on Panipat-Ambala stretch

Aiming to strengthen road safety on the Panipat-Ambala stretch of NH-44 in Haryana, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), during its ongoing drive, has closed over 400 unauthorised access points so far.

The access points have been a matter of concern for the NHAI and district administrations because vehicles approaching the main carriageway from unauthorised cuts had been among the causes of accidents.

Heavy vehicles would also overturn while approaching or leaving the main carriageway due to uneven surface of unauthorised cuts. The matter is raked up in every road safety meeting.

The majority of cuts were created by hotels and dhaba owners, and petrol station operators to provide easy access to customers, and in some cases by villagers to create direct access between the highway and village roads.

In the past, several cuts were closed by the authorities by placing cement blocks and erecting fence, but new unauthorised access points were created next to the blocks. At some places, heavy vehicles were used to drag the blocks and damage the fencing.

The NHAI had initiated the project to permanently close the cuts in July last year, however, to provide relief to local commuters, the NHAI is also creating 80 new entry and exit points, with the provision of transition lane as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) specifications.

An official said, “In order to curb accidents, all unauthorised cuts in front of private properties are being closed. Over 400 such cuts have been closed so far. It is a recurring process, and after getting information, new cuts are also closed. The NHAI is also taking action against miscreants who create such cuts and complaints are being lodged.”

“About 80 new entry and exit points are being created, of which 25 are near completion. Instead of fencing and placing cement blocks, thrie Beam Crash Barriers are being installed to close the points. Regular patrol is also being undertaken to ensure no cuts are created,” he added.