Boards installed on NHAI to stop drivers from switching off engine on slope

In an initiative to stop the growing number of accidents, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has installed awareness boards along the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass related to the risk of driving with engines switched off to curb the tendency among many heavy vehicle drivers while moving along a 10km downward gradient from the Katraj tunnel to Bhumkar Chowk.

A senior NHAI official said the habit of some heavy vehicle drivers to switch off the engines to save fuel was one of the primary factors leading to accidents on the bypass.

The NHAI has been taking a slew of measures following a spate of accidents on the bypass since October 2020.

Several accidents have occurred on the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass due to the bus and truck drivers’ failure in controlling the vehicles after switching the ignition off.

It is a known fact that switching off the ignition on a slope affects a vehicle’s braking ability.

The authorities have taken the right decision to create awareness among the drivers on the issue.

Simultaneously, they should focus on improving infrastructure along the 10km stretch between the Katraj tunnel and Bhumkar Chowk and reduce its gradient.

The NHAI has put up the awareness boards near the new Katraj tunnel and Dari Pul and along the approach route to Bhumkar Chowk.

City traffic police officers and NHAI officials are unanimous that it becomes difficult to apply brakes during an emergency situation if the ignition is switched off.

NHAI project director Suhas Chitnis said, “The aim to install the big awareness boards along the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass was to urge the heavy vehicle drivers not to switch off the ignition while moving downhill.