Sir,

Post-conversion to double lane, the Mysuru-Nanjangud stretch on NH 766 has turned deadly with the accident count ascending each week rather than coming down. Recently, two fatalities that occurred on a single day snatched away two precious lives, one at the Apollo Circle (BDO Office) and the other near the temple on bypass road.

Scene at the first accident was ghastly and heart-wrenching; the victim’s head was fully smashed and blood splashed all over.  It is a known fact that some specified spots on this highway are highly accident-prone like the ones stated, plus one more at the old Basavanapura Gate right after the Kabini bridge.

With the inauguration of new bus stand last fortnight (near the Railway Station), the situation has turned from bad to worse, as straight-movement of vehicles (towards Ooty) is reduced and almost all vehicles take turn over the Railway crossing close-by to reach the new bus stand. This has aggravated the situation.

It is high time the District Administration took serious note and initiate steps to check the mishaps. Sooner the better. I would suggest that the base at the Apollo Circle be broadened to ease vehicular movement, besides installing a Police chowki or a signal light.

Further, erecting an underbridge at the Apollo Circle may be given a serious thought as a permanent remedy. This is a long felt need. The approach road to the proposed underbridge should start from the Devaraja Urs bridge and tapered slowly.

Similarly, on the opposite direction, the road could be sloped down starting from the Railway signal turning. Once done, this would certainly avoid jamming of vehicles on both the directions as and when Railway Gates are shut to allow train movement that occurs at high frequency. Can we expect a positive step in this direction?

– N.Devarajan, Nanjangud, 22.1.2018

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