The journey along the Delhi-Lucknow highway has transformed from a convenient commute into a life-threatening hazard. Ironically, while the condition of the road infrastructure has improved significantly, the frequency of accidents has surged. In the Hapur area of NH-9 alone, 67 people have lost their lives in the past two years due to high-speed crashes.
Speeding: The Primary Killer
Data from the Integrated Road Accident Database (I-RAD) identifies over-speeding as the primary cause of these fatalities. While the designated speed limit is 100 km per h, vehicles are frequently recorded travelling at speeds of 120-130 km per h. At such velocities, drivers are unable to maintain control if another vehicle suddenly appears, leading to catastrophic collisions. According to the data, 61 per cent of accidents on this stretch are directly attributed to over-speeding.
Shift From 'Black Spots' To Smooth Roads
An analysis of road accidents in the district over the last five years reveals a concerning trend: accidents have increased despite the construction of bypasses and better roads. Previously, accidents were concentrated at "black spots"—areas characterised by poor engineering, low visibility, sharp turns, or bottlenecks. These issues were identified and rectified, effectively controlling accidents in those specific zones.
However, the I-RAD survey notes that the location of accidents has now shifted. Currently, 70 per cent of accidents occur on stretches where road conditions are excellent. Investigations conducted by teams from the police, administration, RTO, and NHAI reveal that the smooth quality of the road encourages drivers to speed, disregarding safety limits.
Grim Statistics
The consequences of this negligence are stark. In the last two years alone, 233 accidents have been recorded on the 60-kilometre stretch of the Delhi-Lucknow highway within Hapur district. These incidents have resulted in 67 deaths and left over 200 people injured.
Administrative Delays And Missing Cameras
To curb this menace, the installation of speed detection cameras was proposed. Former District Magistrate Prerna Sharma wrote to the government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on four separate occasions regarding this urgent requirement. The current District Magistrate, Abhishek Pandey, has also issued orders for camera installation during three separate road safety meetings.
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Despite these directives, the responsible departments have failed to act. No concrete measures have been taken to install the cameras, and officials continue to hold meetings while commuters continue to lose their lives.
Official Statements
ARTO Chhavi Singh Chauhan saide, "The majority of accidents are occurring on the highway. We are in continuous dialogue with the NHAI regarding this matter. These discussions have been ongoing since the tenure of DM Prerna Sharma. The NHAI has not approved the budget. We must control vehicle speeds by any means necessary. The accidents will not stop until we do."
Additional District Magistrate Sandeep Kumar said, "Clear instructions were given in the road safety meeting to install speed cameras. We are now in discussions with the government again. We are also raising awareness among the public about driving at lower speeds. Additionally, we are installing speed limit signs. Our aim is to prevent these accidents at all costs."
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