Data shows tractors new killers on Delhi roads

Thanks to the construction work and renovation related to the Commonwealth Games, several tractors have been on roads, creating menace for the citizens.

Thanks to the construction work and renovation related to the Commonwealth Games, several tractors have been on roads, creating menace for the citizens.

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Scores of these monster vehicles, hired by private contractors during the run up to the Games, led to deaths of pedestrians and commuters on Delhi roads.

"While in 2009, 28 people lost their lives in accidents involving tractors till October 15, that number jumped to 41 fatal accidents till October 15 this year. The increase can only be attributed to a larger presence of these dangerous vehicles on the capital's roads," said joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg.

Although the number of road fatalities involving tractors saw an increase of 46% till October 15 this year, not even one tractor-related accident was reported so far after that.

"That is because we have cracked down on them with a vengeance after the Games. Before that, we were specifically told to simmer down as far as prosecuting them was concerned," said a senior Delhi Police officer, requesting anonymity.

"Several important people from the state government said the (tractors') presence in the city was necessary as the already delayed construction work and renovation had to be completed as soon as possible," he added.

He said mostly unlicensed persons drive these monster vehicles, which resulted in the high number of casualties.

"The total number of people they killed last year was 37. This year, which has 60 more days to go till year end, has already seen four more deaths than that. Despite this, these tractors can still be seen speeding down roads in crowded areas," the officer said.

According to the law, tractors are forbidden in Delhi, let alone lugging heavy construction material at high speed.

"The motor vehicle act specifically mentions that the tractor, which is an agricultural vehicle, has no business to ply on Delhi roads. They belong in the fields where they are supposed to draw agricultural implements for farming procedures instead of carrying heavy goods or rubble," the officer said.

"We will continue to prosecute them until they stop entering Delhi altogether. They are too dangerous to ply in urban areas," Joint CP Garg said.