200 accident black spots identified in Kangra district

At least 200 accident black spots have been identified in Kangra district, which has recorded a sharp rise in fatal road mishaps. In the past year alone, 103 accidents have claimed 59 lives, prompting urgent administrative action.

Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa after chairing a district-level road safety meeting has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take corrective measures at these locations.

A comprehensive list of accident-prone spots was being shared with the Subdivisional Magistrates, who will coordinate with PWD and NHAI for timely rectification.

Bairwa stressed that strict adherence to safety standards in road construction and repair was crucial to preventing future accidents. He instructed officials to install sensors at highway junctions, paint bar markings on vulnerable stretches and conduct regular route reviews to check vehicles for overloading during peak hours.

“Proper inspection of vehicles involved in accidents will help identify real causes and guide preventive measures. Strict compliance with road safety rules will be ensured to reduce daily accidents in the district,” Bairwa said.

At the meeting, Regional Transport Officer Manish Soni spoke about the steps already taken under the road safety plan. The meeting was also attended by ADM Shilpi Bekta, SDMs of Nagrota Bagwan and Dharamsala and senior officials from the NHAI and PWD.

The officials pointed out that Kangra, being a major tourist hub, attracts lakhs of visitors every year. However, the district’s hilly terrain, sharp curves and inexperienced driving often lead to tragic accidents. To address this, the administration plans to launch eye check-up camps for drivers, stricter enforcement of traffic rules and the use of modern technology for monitoring.