Taking illegal shortcuts on roads proving deadly for pedestrians

Illegal passages and black spots on national highways and internal roads passing through the city have become a threat for pedestrians. People are resorting to the practice to save their time but oblivious to the fact that they are putting their lives at risk.

Accidents occur frequently at such places but the worrying thing is that the authorities concerned only talks about improvements in meetings and give instructions to officials but shows no seriousness in eliminating the illegal passages and black spots.

Chances of accidents increase at the illegal passages, especially during foggy days. Vehicles approaching towards such points during foggy nights may not be able to see people or vehicles crossing.

On the Jalandhar-Panipat National Highway (NH 44) passing through the city, people are facing threats every day due to the illegal passages. People cross the highway every morning and evening through the illegal passages risking their lives. Basti Jodhewal and Kailash Nagar illegal passages are the most important among them. Accidents occur here frequently. Despite the same, no action is being taken by the district administration or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). People commuting to work cross the highway every morning and evening due to lack of an overbridge in the area.

Residents demanded that the police should conduct patrolling at such places where pedestrians and two-wheeler riders take shortcuts and make them aware about the risk involved. Several accidents occurred on a highway in Basti Jodhewal where factory workers cross the highway in the morning and evening hours. Even the authorities also need to develop underbridges and overbridges on roads and highways so that people make good use of them and avoid untoward incidents.