On October 6, 2024, a joint inspection team of officials, led by Uttarakhand’s Joint Transport Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Mehra, conducted a site inspection of the road accident that occurred near the Asharodi checkpost. Representatives from the Transport Department, Public Works Department (PWD), NHAI, and JPRI participated in this inspection.
The team examined the newly constructed stretch of road between Datkali Tunnel and Asharodi, an area where accidents are frequently occurring. Preliminary findings revealed that most accidents involve heavy vehicles during the morning hours. NHAI stated that a safety audit of the area is being conducted by the CRRI, and long-term measures will be implemented based on its report.
The inspection team offered key recommendations to immediately curb these accidents:
• Installation of zigzag barricading at at least two locations within a 2-km radius to control vehicle speed.
• Installation of 2–3 digital speed display boards along the route and relocation of the ‘Smart City’ board.
• Trimming (lopping) of bushes and trees to improve visibility.
• Installation of warning signs regarding the slope and speed control.
