Safety norms need of hour at Salimgarh bypass flyover

A day after three men were killed in a truck accident at a sharp curve on the Salimgarh bypass flyover, the Delhi Police have carried out a survey of the spot. Karn Pratap Singh and Jatin Anand report. Safety measures required

A day after three men were killed in a truck accident at a sharp curve on the Salimgarh bypass flyover, the Delhi Police have carried out a survey of the spot.

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The truck driver and two men were travelling from Azadpur Mandi when he lost control and the vehicle plummeted 30 metres below while descending the flyover and taking a sharp turn.

The survey follows a letter, written by the local police to the district's police in-charge, requesting his office to suggest that the civic agency concerned ensure that steps to enhance the safety of commuters travelling on the said flyover be put in place.

"At least five of the major accidents at the IP Estate Police Station have occurred at the same spot," said a senior police officer.

"Most of the vehicles involved in these accidents have been found to be heavy truck vehicles (HTVs). In fact, the first fatal accident reported from the spot, which was in 2010, had been that of a truck," he added.

Last month, a 15-year-old girl, who reportedly was out on a joyride with her friends in a Ford Endeavour SUV, was killed in an accident on the same flyover.

"Sharp curves are one of the major concerns affecting safety on roads. Efforts should be made to allow them from figuring in road design, especially on structures such as flyovers," said road and transport infrastructure expert PK Sarkar.

"There must be signage and delineators to warn commuters about sharp turns," Sarkar added.