PWD, NWKRTC hold joint meeting to tackle 167 accident blackspots

Belagavi: A high-level meeting to address accident blackspots identified by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) was held on Wednesday evening at the conference hall of the superintendent engineer, public works department (PWD), Belagavi.The meeting was chaired by the district minister Satish Jarkiholi and attended by KSRTC vice-chairman Sunil Hanumanavar, managing director Priyanka M, chief engineer (roads & buildings – north) Shivanand Naik, senior PWD officers, and officials from the KSRTC safety and awareness department.The discussions centred on recurring accidents attributed to road deficiencies and inadequate safety measures. KSRTC officials presented details of 167 accident blackspots identified across 6 revenue districts under its jurisdiction, along with recommended remedial measures.As to the 49 blackspots identified on national highways, minister Jarkiholi assured that the matter would be taken up with the Union ministry of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. For the remaining 118 blackspots on the state and district highways, he instructed the PWD officials to prepare both short-term and long-term action plans and initiate corrective measures.Taking note of KSRTC's survey of the Kagawad-Gotur newly built highway stretch, the minister ordered a joint re-survey and directed officials to ensure safe halting points for public and KSRTC buses. Meanwhile, the minister instructed the PWD officials to construct bus bays and passenger shelters, and improve junctions at locations where KSRTC has adequate land.Expressing concern that Belagavi district ranks high in road accident numbers, the minister said implementation of KSRTC's recommendations could significantly reduce fatalities and injuries. He also directed that similar joint review meetings be conducted regularly at the district level to strengthen inter-departmental coordination.NWKRTC officials proposed the installation of solar and flashing lights at rural intersections to improve night-time visibility and enhance road safety, to which the minister responded positively.