Transport Commissioner warns agencies over sand-induced road accidents in Odisha

Expressing deep concern over recent tragic accidents caused by sand on roads in Odisha, the Transport Commissioner on Sunday issued a strict warning though a letter. The letters were directed to the Regional Officer of NHAI, the Chief Engineer of the Odisha wing of National Highways, the Chief Engineer of the Works Department, and officials of all Municipal Corporations and NACs.

In the letters, he clearly stated that maintaining clean roads was their responsibility. The Commissioner warned that if sand or debris was found on the roads, it must be cleared by the concerned agency. He also pointed out that sand lying on roads led to vehicles skidding, resulting in accidents.

"It has been observed with grave concern that spillage of sand, soil, construction debris and loose materials on road surfaces, if not promptly removed, leads to loss of tyre grip and skidding, particularly for two- wheelers, resulting in serious and fatal road accidents. In the recent past, multiple severe accidents have been reported across the State where road surface contamination due to non-removal of spillage sand was a contributory factor," read the notification.

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"While enforcement agencies take action against unsafe transportation of sand and construction materials, prevention of accidents also squarely depends on the statutory duty of road-owning and road-maintaining agencies to ensure that roads under their jurisdiction are kept clean, traffic-worthy and free from hazards at all times," it further read.