Eway still risky for slow vehicles and pedestrians

Drivers of slow-moving vehicles and pedestrians continue to fall prey to accidents on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway in the absence of adequate facilities for local commuters.

Drivers of slow-moving vehicles and pedestrians continue to fall prey to accidents on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway in the absence of adequate facilities for local commuters.

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Though slow-moving vehicles are not allowed on the high-speed link between Sirhaul and Kherki Duala toll plazas, 47 out of 55 fatalities on the expressway last year involved two- and three-wheelers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The latest data shows the stretch between Sirhaul and Rajeev Chowk claimed the lives of eight pedestrians, one cyclist and 11 others driving two- or three-wheelers. From Rajeev Chowk to the Hero Honda Chowk, eight pedestrians lost their lives, apart from two cyclists and five two- and three-wheeler drivers. Similarly, a section between Hero Honda Chowk and Kherki Duala claimed the lives of nine pedestrians, one cyclist and two people driving two- or three-wheelers.

"The absence of adequate service lanes along this stretch of national highway-8, which slow moving vehicles can use for commuting, is the prime reason for fatal accidents," said joint commissioner of police Maheshwar Dayal.

While NHAI officials agreed that slow-moving vehicles and pedestrians were banned from entering the highway, they expressed helplessness in implementing the restriction.