more-in The picturesque valleys and serpentine bends make the Nallamala ghat road a rider’s delight. The dense forests and winding roads around the mountains will give a perfect break to one and all from their routine. However, lack of adequate safety measures on the route has made the journey dangerous. The ghat spans 37 km till Dornala village in Prakasam district. Both four and two-wheeler riders say this stretch needs more vital traffic signages, speed breakers etc. after the safety audit is completed. “One witnesses sharp turns from Atmakur via Rollapenta. Though officials placed large mirrors, some miscreants damaged them rendering them useless. There is also a need to strengthen the periphery walls at some places,” said a bike enthusiast and ‘rider’ P. Tejeesh. A similar situation prevails on the 49-km road from Dornala to Srisailam temple and according to sources an average of six accidents are reported every month in this section. An RTC bus driver, who operates on the Kurnool–Srisailam route, on the condition of anonymity, said the ghat roads needed to be monitored regularly for smooth movement of traffic. “In some places, dense foliage obstructs the view at sharp turns. Lack of appropriate signages, indicating direction and curves at certain sections, have been making it difficult drivers new to the place which in turn affects us,” he added. Lamenting the lack of traffic sense among several motorists, the bus driver said the ones travelling downhill should avoid speeding and give those going uphill necessary space for movement. “Widening the roads would be the best bet or as a temporary measure, extending the road near sharp turns can help drivers of heavy vehicles [and others],” he says. While widening of the ghat road has been high on the agenda, people have also requested district authorities to establish medical facilities including ambulances to offer a comprehensive solution to the problems. Other ghat sections leading to Ahobilam and Owk face a similar situation and hence the demand for a complete safety audit.

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