Shillong, Feb 25: As a frequent driver and traveller along the new GS Road, and Shillong – Nongstoin-Riangdo, under construction by NHAI, which is due for completion next year, it is with a deep sense of concern for road safety, that we recall the statement of Dr Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister, few weeks ago in Garo Hills, urging the District Administrators, Deputy Commissioners, to monitor Road construction, and in this regard we draw the attention of the various, Deputy Commissioner’s, SP, Traffic Police, to set up a mechanism to monitor and ensure the safety of the drivers an especially the passengers along the Shillong – Guwahati, Shillong Nongstoin Tura, Dainadubi – Bagmara, Guwahati – Tura, Shillong – Jowai- Silchar new highways.
However, with wide and smooth roads comes traffic in dangerous high speeds driven by inexperienced drivers, some driving with lack of sleep, which is a cause of concern for safety of human lives, as the lack of Traffic Signs such as Blind Turning signs, speed signs, illuminated night diversion signs, lack of yellow, white lane dividers, is causing road rage and increased accidents.
Lack of proper traffic signs on exit an entry lanes is another serious cause for concern.
It is also noticed that a number of commercial vehicles ply especially on sundays with no license plate numbers and in most cases the license plate number is hardly noticeable.
It is also noticed that the license plate numbers of the busses and trucks are not installed in proper place for full view, as they also fit additional decorations which obstruct the view of the number plates.
Installation of high resolution cameras along critical junctions of the highway is another necessity for safety management.
There is urgent need for setting up of a Meghalaya Management of Highways Authority, to comprise of Deputy Commissioners, DTO Enforcement, Police, PWD, Telecom, Towing Companies, etc, to monitor, manage and ensure safe travel of the travellers on the highways.
We urge the NHAI authorities to include, plan for separate ‘Truck, Bus’ Lanes for all National Highways, given the fact that commercial vehicles is bound to increase by leaps an bounds in a state with huge deposits of mineral resources, so as to enable small cars to travel in a shorter time in their own lanes. (SP News)
