Travelling on the National Highway 48 (NH 48), also known as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway, has become a perilous journey for motorists, particularly after sunset. A recent investigation revealed a multitude of issues plaguing this stretch, from dark flyovers to uneven road surfaces, putting drivers at significant risk. The lack of operational streetlights on the majority of bridges along the highway was a glaring concern, with only a couple of bridges illuminated during a recent visit. The newly constructed white-topped road sections showed signs of unevenness, marked by visible tire tracks that made the surface treacherous for motorists. Furthermore, the white-topping work on bridges seemed to have inadvertently reduced the height of safety walls, intensifying the likelihood of accidents.
Concerns Over Safety: Non-Functional Streetlights and Uneven Road Surfaces
During a recent journey along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway, it was evident that the issue of non-functional streetlights on bridges posed a significant hazard to night-time drivers. With the vast majority of flyovers shrouded in darkness, motorists like Hiren Patel expressed grave concerns about the imminent risks. The absence of proper lighting not only compromised safety but also added to the confusion for drivers navigating the roads below the bridges. While authorities assured that the repair work is progressing swiftly, the safety of motorists remains a top priority.
Sumit Kumar, the manager for the Thane region at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), provided insights into the ongoing roadwork and the challenges faced. Despite significant progress in completing the white-topping work on the highway, issues with non-functional streetlights persist due to damaged underground cables. The NHAI is actively working on repairing and laying new cables to address this critical safety concern.
Ensuring Structural Integrity: Load Tests and Safety Measures
To address fears regarding the structural integrity of bridges post-white-topping work, the NHAI has enlisted the expertise of IIT-Bombay to conduct load tests. These tests aim to assess whether the additional weight from the white-topping and cement concrete layers could compromise the safety of the bridges. By focusing on smaller flyovers and box-type structures, the NHAI aims to mitigate risks and enhance safety measures. Additionally, the installation of metal panels on safety walls is planned to further fortify the flyovers and prevent accidents.
During a survey of the highway stretch between Sasunavghar flyover and Manor, it was observed that the white-topping work had added weight to the flyovers while simultaneously reducing the height of safety walls. This precarious situation raised concerns about the safety of all types of vehicles traversing the highway. The presence of uneven road surfaces, coupled with visible tire marks and cracks, posed a severe threat to two-wheelers, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Road contractors were seen employing epoxy repair techniques to address these issues, emphasizing the critical need for road maintenance and safety enhancements.
In conclusion, the challenges and issues with the NH 48 repair project underscore the importance of prioritizing safety and structural integrity on our highways. As authorities work towards completing the repair work and addressing the identified issues, it is crucial for motorists to exercise caution and vigilance while navigating these potentially hazardous roadways. By implementing robust safety measures, conducting thorough assessments, and engaging experts in infrastructure maintenance, we can ensure the safety of all road users and prevent accidents on our highways.
