Daijiworld Media Network (HB/SS)

Udupi, Apr 6: Deputy Commissioner M Kurmarao on Wednesday directed the concerned highway officials to clear the black spots within a fortnight. He warned that cases would be booked after 15 days if there are accidents and loss of lives if suitable measured are not taken to clear the black spots.

Presiding over a District Road Safety Committee meeting at the Court Hall in Deputy Commissioner’s office, he said 33 black spots had been identified along the NH 66 and NH 169A adding that orders have been issued to clear them to ensure safety and smooth movement of vehicular traffic.

He regretted that national highway officials had not taken any action in this regard. He ordered officials to take up necessary repairs within a fortnight and thereafter submit a report regarding the same.

Kurmarao said he had already written to the police department urging them to take action and book cases if accidents occur in black spots after 15 days. He said he would also write to the directors and regional heads of the National Highway Authority of India expressing his concern regarding the matter.

He said black spots that existed on roads within the district area should also be cleared and repaired.

The deputy commissioner condoled the recent death of a police officer and his daughter who were killed in a road accident near Santhekatte.

Kurmarao also pointed out motorists and pedestrians were subjected to hardships at the Tiger Circle in Manipal due to the non-existence of traffic signals. He directed officials to take suitable action in this regard.

He said he had asked for a report from RTO officials regarding the complaints he had received regarding vacating the autorickshaw stand situated in Eshwarnagar in Manipal as the space was lying in the national highway area.

The deputy commissioner said he has directed Superintendent of Police to put up signages and signboards on the national highway from Hejamadi to Shirooru.

He said he had written a letter to SP Vishnuvardhan directing the police officials to allow vehicles to take a U-turn near Lakshminagar.

Udupi Regional Transport Officer Gangadhar said during 2021-22, 18754 vehicles had been examined and 2,731 cases had been booked for violations. He said 192 vehicles had been seized adding that a total of Rs 1,85,58.270 had been collected including Rs 79,81,250 from taxes and Rs 105,77,020 from fines.

Assistant Commissioner Veena, National Highway officials along with Public Works Department officials were also present.