Authority to serve tea to reduce accidents on Yamuna expressway

As per the survey, it was found that motorists fall asleep while driving between 1am to 5am, causing accidents. There are instances in which the driver of a vehicle rammed another vehicle as he fell asleep while driving. However, if they are served tea, coffee or snacks at the toll plaza, then there is a chance that they will not sleep and drive carefully

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) on Wednesday asked Jaypee Infratech, the concessionaire for the expressway, to provide snacks, tea and coffee to motorists to reduce accidents on the 165km entry restricted expressway, which connects Greater Noida with Agra.

The objective of the move is to ensure that drivers get a break as continuous driving makes them tired and sleep, officials said. (Sunil Ghosh/HT File)

YEIDA’s additional chief executive officer (ACEO) Amaranth Upadhyaya directed Jaypee Infratech to take multiple steps to reduce accidents on the expressway.

The authority’s instructions came on the basis of reports submitted by RITES, an agency that was hired to find reasons for accidents.

“As per the survey, it was found that motorists fall asleep while driving between 1am to 5am, causing accidents. There are instances in which the driver of a vehicle rammed another vehicle as he fell asleep while driving. However, if they are served tea, coffee or snacks at the toll plaza, then there is a chance that they will not sleep and drive carefully,” said Upadhyaya.

The objective of the move is to ensure that drivers get a break as continuous driving makes them tired and sleep, officials said.

Apart from this, the ACEO also asked the traffic police to intensify the drive against those violating traffic norms on the expressway.

Officials said that the main reason for accidents is speeding by motorists. “I have asked the police to issue challans strictly to enforce discipline among motorists. I have also asked Jaypee Infratech to install more close circuit television cameras to increase vigil and catch violators,” said Upadhyaya.

The authority officials asked the concessionaire to install cameras at exits.

The authority has also asked Jaypee Infratech to ensure that buses do not board or deboard the main carriageway, blocking traffic flow.

“I have asked the concessionaire to increase vigil and ensure that buses board or deboard passengers at designated spots on the expressway. The police will take action against buses that violate traffic norms. Also, I have asked Jaypee Infratech to ensure that no eatery operates illegally on the expressway as they also cause accidents,” said Upadhyaya.

Apart from this, the authority has asked Jaypee Infratech to paint traffic markings wherever it gets washed away due to rain.