Secunderabad Speed Bumps Pose Accident Risks

 Hyderabad: The 2015 data of the Union ministry of road transport revealed that speed breakers caused at least 30 crashes every day across the country. Today there are more roads, and so are speed breakers, including in the twin cities, where most of them are in deplorable conditions.

Commuters in Secunderabad are frustrated with the poor condition of speed bumps that is leading to many accidents.

Deccan Chronicle noticed numerous riders attempting to manoeuvre through gaps in the speed breakers so as to avoid slowing down, near the Sanjeev Housing Colony in East Marredpally. It was a similar scene at various by-lanes in the area. Not ironically, the uneven surfaces in many such gaps result in collisions.

“Many speed breakers in the city do not meet the specifications. Reflective coating near the speed breakers can ensure visibility during nights. Many speed breakers are half-a-foot in height. They are made with cement or asphalt that blend with the road’s surface. Some even have very steep and abrupt inclinations,” said Shrutee Gosh, a designer, who is frustrated with the government's inadequate attention to such a critical issue, which adversely impacts public safety.

She pointed out that though efforts are being made to reconstruct roads, there is gradual deterioration in the quality of work.

Many by-lanes and roads in colonies in Secunderabad are in disrepair.

Dr Amulya Reddy, a junior doctor at Gandhi Medical College, said, “Potholes are hard to spot during rains. We have many traffic rules in place. The helmet rule does protect the head but everyone deserves overall safety when travelling. It’s troubling to see that despite the government's attempts to improve infrastructure, the road conditions are worsening by the day. Even five minutes of rain spells trouble.”

Sainul K. Abid, a content writer who frequently commutes in Secunderabad localities, described the situation as ‘a nightmare’.

He said, “Every day, I travel through deep potholes and crumbling speed bumps. It’s not only uncomfortable but also risky, especially for families, pregnant women and the elderly. Instead of expecting drivers to be more cautious, which they always are, the onus is on the government to fix roads as well. Safety is a two-way street. The focus should be on improving road conditions and not just building new fancy roads.”

Meanwhile, N. Venkateshwarlu, ACP (traffic-north zone), said "We regularly urge GHMC to address issues like damaged roads and streetlights in north zone besides conducting awareness programs at schools, colleges and RTC centres. We coordinate closely with the engineering team on these matters."

However, executive engineer, Secunderabad circle, Ashalatha, failed to respond to several calls from this correspondent.