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. Similar boards have also been installed near the Khed-Shivapur toll plaza, apart from the new Katraj tunnel, Dari Pul, and Bhumkar bridge sites.”

He added, “The maximum speed limit on the bypass stretch from the New Katraj Tunnel to Navale bridge was brought down to 60kmph from 80kmph, for all vehicles, last week. The NHAI has also started an announcement system at the Khed-Shivapur toll plaza, addressing the heavy vehicle drivers not to switch off the ignition or drive in the neutral gear while moving downhill.”

Sadashiv Gowda-Patil, a truck driver from Belgaum, said, “I never switch off the engine of my truck on a downhill stretch. But I know many truck drivers often do this to save fuel. If the ignition is switched off, one cannot apply brakes during emergency.”

A senior police inspector (traffic) Nandkishor Shelke said, “We are filing almost 100 cases of speeding on a daily basis against the heavy vehicle and light motor vehicle drivers.”

State transporters’ body president Baba Shinde said, “The downhill gradient on the Katraj-Dehu Road bypass is unscientific and it has to be reduced. The stretch needs infrastructure development to support the movement of heavy vehicles. Many drivers opt to move along the stretch after switching off the ignition to save fuel. We have launched an awareness drive for the truckers. I have written a letter to the NHAI, requesting them to look into the downhill gradient.”

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