Administration gives 24 hours to explain alleged negligence: Khanna SDM pulls up NHAI over potholes

The SDM has sought to know why legal action should not be initiated against the officials, concessionaire or maintenance contractors responsible for the stretch if negligence is established

Khanna sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Swati Tiwana has issued a show-cause notice to the project director of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI, project implementation unit, Ludhiana, seeking an explanation within 24 hours over alleged negligence in maintaining a highway stretch where village Ratanheri sarpanch Amarjit Singh was killed in a road accident.

Ratanheri sarpanch Amarjit Singh who died in the mishap. (HT)

The SDM has sought to know why legal action should not be initiated against the officials, concessionaire or maintenance contractors responsible for the stretch if negligence is established. The notice also questions why the matter should not be referred to the investigating agency for further action.

The action follows Amarjit Singh’s death in an accident on August 6. Preliminary findings indicated that a large, unrepaired pothole on the carriageway may have contributed to the mishap.

According to the notice, Amarjit Singh allegedly lost control of his vehicle after hitting the pothole and fell onto the road. He was subsequently run over by a truck approaching from behind and died on the spot.

The SDM has questioned whether the agencies responsible for keeping the highway safe and motorable failed in their duty by not repairing the pothole or installing adequate barricading, warning signs and other safety measures. The administration has sought details of the officials, engineers and contractor personnel responsible for inspecting and maintaining the concerned stretch. These details are also to be provided to the police as part of the investigation. The matter will be brought to the notice of the NHAI regional officer and the ministry of road transport and highways, with directions to initiate departmental or contractual action wherever warranted.

Entire highway stretch to undergo safety audit

The SDM has ordered immediate repair of the pothole and a safety audit of the entire national highway stretch falling within the Khanna subdivision.

Officials have also been directed to submit road inspection logs for the past three months, records of pothole repairs and copies of relevant maintenance or concession agreements. The administration has made it clear that commuter safety remains a priority and negligence resulting in loss of life will be dealt with seriously.