Beware Of Deadly Dividers On Bhopal's Roads

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Broken and low-height road dividers across the city are causing a surge in accidents and fatalities. Multiple redevelopment projects have left dividers with heights ranging from just 1 to 3 feet, with some even lower, creating serious safety hazards.

To add to the problem, many commuters resort to dangerous practices, including jumping over the dividers in a bid to avoid longer U-turns. According to Additional DCP Traffic, Vikram Raghuwanshi, Bhopal witnesses 6-8 accidents every month due to these reckless acts, resulting in 1-2 fatalities on an average.

High-risk areas include Anand Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Chetak Bridge, the road between ISBT and Barkatullah University (BU), and Mata Mandir Road. Two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable, often using gaps in dividers to cross roads and risk their lives.

While authorities have acknowledged the issue, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) Chairman Kishan Suryawanshisaid, "Most city roads are under thejurisdiction of Public Works Department (PWD).Roads under BMC are regularly checked for safety. Broken dividers will be repaired promptly."

Despite claims of ongoing maintenance, commuters want faster repairs and an increase in the height of dividers to prevent further accidents. PWD vows quick repairs PWD Chief Engineer Sanjay Maske clarified that the standard height for road dividers under PWD specifications is 1 foot.

"Some broken dividers do not fall under PWD jurisdiction. However, roads maintained by PWD are regularly inspected, and any damaged dividers are promptly repaired," he said.