The 18 km stretch of National Highway no 27, passing through the southern part of Guwahati, seems to have become an unsafe area. Many accidents, mostly involving speeding vehicles, have occurred in the past year, injuring or taking the lives of pedestrians and other vehicle users.
It is understood and accepted that this National Highway is designed for higher traffic flow at higher speeds. Five flyovers have been constructed at busy intersections to reduce congestion. Tall and narrow dividers/ medians have been created to discourage pedestrians, animals or vehicles from crossing the road. There are no zebra crossings at grade passages or traffic islands for pedestrians to safely cross over. The speed breakers and rumble strips are also gone and even if available do not provide safe passage to pedestrians. These are designed to alert drivers and prevent them from falling asleep.
However, it must also be understood that the 18 km-stretch passes through densely-populated areas on both sides of the highway that include many educational institutes, residential complexes and business establishments as well as a major sports complex.
The Issue:
As usual, while designing and constructing the highway least consideration was given to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. Footpaths are either non-existent or are very narrow or of very bad quality on this entire stretch. The flyovers do provide underpasses to allow vehicles and pedestrians to cross over. However, these are spaced 3-5 km apart.
People in their vehicles can drive fast between the two points and reach their destination fast and without getting struck like earlier at the various intersections. But what about the people who live on both sides of this fast lane? How do they safely cross the road? They are equal citizens and have a right to safely cross the road without being hurt. People living along the highway are having a harrowing time crossing the highway. The elderly, young children and physically challenged people find it extremely difficult or next to impossible to cross the road on their own. People are seen dangerously crossing the tall dividers putting their lives at risk. It’s easy to blame these people but we need to understand that the infrastructure has not been created for such people. Their needs have not been considered at all.
Call for Action:
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It’s essential to address this issue urgently. National Highway Authority of India, the Transport Department and the District Road Safety Cell along with other stakeholders should look at this important issue. Constructing multiple foot-overbridges spaced at intervals of one kilometre along the entire stretch is imperative.
Conclusion:
Everyone, regardless of their mode of transport, has the right to cross roads safely. Let’s not wait for more lives to be lost before implementing preventive measures. It’s time to ensure the safety of pedestrians on National Highway No. 27.
The author is a sustainable urban transportation, road safety and climate action advocate and the co-founder of Pedal for a Change
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