Three accident-prone spots in 150 metres on Sitabuldi flyover's Rahate Chowk end

On the stretch of Nagpur's Sitabuldi flyover that descends towards Rahate Chowk, just 150 metres contain three spots that put motorists at risk almost daily. All three are considered accident spots.

The first is where the landing slope begins. A raised layer of asphalt there acts like a speed breaker and throws vehicles up suddenly. If the driver does not have firm control of the steering, the jolt is strong enough to make the vehicle wobble. Loss of steering control here is considered certain.

The layer also creates the risk of a collision. If a vehicle directly ahead brakes suddenly, the one behind is bound to hit it. Whether vehicles are fast or slow, without the right distance between two vehicles the layer causes a collision. The question is why this layer has not been levelled with the flyover surface to this day.

The second spot is just ahead, where a divider about 40 feet long begins. This divider splits the flyover ramp into up and down sections. While coming towards Rahate Chowk, drivers have to veer slightly left as soon as the divider starts.

If a four-wheeler or two-wheeler is moving alongside at that moment, hearts leap into mouths, because a metal divider is visible on the left. The lane suddenly feels narrow and vehicles can hit the metal barrier. Vehicles keep hitting the corner of the divider.

The third spot is the joint between the cement road and the asphalt road. Cement paving was recently laid on both sides of the flyover between Janata Chowk and Rahate Chowk. As built, a raised, speed-breaker-like cement structure is visible where the asphalt road at the flyover's landing meets the cement road.

If vehicles are slow at this joint, there is a risk of being hit from behind, and if they are fast, a heavy jolt is certain. It is a situation of being caught between two bad choices. This joint, too, throws vehicles into the air.

These flaws also show up as traffic jams. Even a minor collision here causes a severe jam miles long. A jam at Rahate Chowk reaches halfway up the flyover. The same happens when two vehicles collide, and such jams are seen several times from morning till late evening.

It is surprising that the departments concerned do not see these shortcomings as a problem for ordinary citizens and drivers. They do not appear ready to make improvements. The question is why the administration is waiting for a major accident.