Identify road accident `black spots’, take immediate corrective measures: Hyderabad CP Sajjanar to officials

Hyderabad:Seemingly rattled by the increasing fatalities, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has directed all concerned departments to identify road accident `black spots’ in the city and take immediate corrective measures.

He called for continuous and coordinated monitoring as these locations are the biggest contributors to road mishaps.

Addressing an inter-departmental road safety coordination committee meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) here, the Commissioner said scientifically designed road dividers, modern barricading systems, and timely engineering interventions are essential to effectively prevent accidents and save lives.

He underlined that sustained supervision by allied departments is critical to ensuring that corrective works at black spots deliver long-term results.

Multi-department coordination stressed

The Commissioner said road safety is not the responsibility of a single department and can be ensured only through coordinated action by all stakeholder agencies.

He called for close cooperation among the police, civic, transport, and highways authorities to reduce accidents and improve traffic discipline across Hyderabad.

Regular monitoring of accident-prone areas

Officials were instructed to constantly review the condition of identified black spots and ensure that remedial measures such as geometric corrections, signage, barricading, and dividers are implemented without delay. Continuous monitoring, he said, is essential to prevent the recurrence of accidents at the same locations.

Road engineering and safety infrastructure

Highlighting the role of engineering solutions, the Commissioner stressed the need for modern barricading, scientifically designed dividers, and clear lane demarcations. Proper road design and maintenance, he noted, significantly reduces the risk of fatal accidents.

Awareness programmes in educational institutions

Special emphasis was laid on spreading awareness among students. The Commissioner directed officials to intensify road safety education programmes in schools and colleges to familiarise students with traffic rules and safe road behaviour from a young age.

Pedestrian safety a priority

To ensure pedestrian safety, authorities were asked to strengthen facilities such as zebra crossings and footpaths, enabling safe road crossing. Encroachments on footpaths, which inconvenience pedestrians and force them onto roads, will be removed regularly by the traffic wing.

Street lighting and visibility

Pointing out that poor visibility often leads to accidents, the Commissioner instructed civic officials to ensure that all non-functional street lights are repaired and kept operational. Effective lighting, he said, is a crucial component of accident prevention.

Civic works and infrastructure update

Officials from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation briefed the meeting on ongoing and completed works related to roads, street lights, and repairs. As per official data:

Lane markings have been completed over 1,687.76 km.

4,585 zebra crossings and 4,047 transverse bar markings have been installed citywide.

3,335 signboards indicating speed limits and U-turns are in place.

Footpath repairs have been carried out along 212 km.

Of the 23 sanctioned Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), 15 are already operational.

Out of 45 identified black spots, 42 have been rectified.

Encroachment removal and monthly reviews

The Traffic Wing will continue removing encroachments on footpaths to ensure hassle-free movement for pedestrians. To review progress regularly, Sajjanar proposed holding a coordination meeting of allied departments on the second Friday of every month.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the police, transport, and civic departments, along with representatives of UNICEF, Roads & Buildings (R&B), TGSRTC, NHAI, MoRTH, regional transport authorities, and various voluntary organisations.

Officials said several key decisions were taken during the meeting to further strengthen road accident prevention efforts across Hyderabad.