Deadly stretch, low visibility lead motorists to 20-ft ditch in Bhopal

Bhopal: The sharp turn ahead of Bhadbhada Bridge, near the police outpost and opposite Judicial Academy, is fast emerging as an accident-prone spot, with repeated cases highlighting the urgent need for safety measures. The stretch, which lacks a safety wall/retaining wall or crash barrier, witnessed several cases of speeding vehicles plunging nearly 20 ft off the road while negotiating the dangerous curve.Around a week ago, three youths riding a motorcycle fell off the road at the same spot late at night. Fortunately, they escaped with minor injuries and no fatalities were reported. However, the incident once again drew attention to the vulnerability of the stretch, especially during night hours when visibility is low.Local police officials acknowledged the risk and said the matter was already brought to the notice of senior authorities. They stressed that construction of a retaining wall or installation of crash barriers on the curve is necessary to prevent further such incidents. Senior traffic police officials maintained that they will write a letter to the road construction agency concerned to take necessary action in the matter.The road stretch from Bhadbhada Bridge towards Neelbad and Ratibad, which falls under Ratibad police station limits, became a frequent accident spot due to a dangerous curve and poor visibility, officials and locals said. A senior officer from Ratibad police station said that immediately after crossing the bridge, there is a small hillock followed by a sharp descending turn near the police outpost. Drivers unfamiliar with the route often get confused at this point. At night, due to low lighting and high speed, many vehicles fail to take the right turn and plunge into a nearly 20-ft-deep roadside ditch.Local resident Raju Maran said even people familiar with the road are vulnerable to accidents. Heavy dumpers ply on the route at night and frequently spill gravel and mud, making the surface slippery and increasing the chances of skidding, even during daytime. Another resident, Abhishek Sinha, said the road became a major alternate route for vehicles travelling from the city towards Sehore, especially during diversions. The rising traffic volume and unfamiliar drivers further raise the risk of accidents. He demanded installation of speed-control measures and crash barriers or a retaining wall. Ratibad SHO RB Sharma confirmed the stretch is accident-prone and said senior officials were informed for remedial action.Additional DCP (Traffic) Basant Kaul said the traffic police will write to the road construction agency concerned to implement necessary safety measures.