TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: Rise in number of vehicles along the Belgaum-Goa road via Chorla has led to an increase in the number of accidents, raising concerns among the citizens and police alike.
The dangers on this road were again evident, after a 13-year-old school boy was knocked to death by a vehicle from Goa, after which angry villagers set the vehicle on fire.
According to police, reckless driving and over speeding are some of the reasons for the accident.
Though the road is in excellent condition, there are 22 dangerous curves that are difficult for the drivers to negotiate, due to which one has to be extra cautious while driving on this route. Rise in the number of multi axle – over loaded heavy vehicles too is one of the reasons for the rise in accidents, according to villagers.
“Majority of the accidents have occurred either due to over speeding or losing control due to sharp curves, while a few occurred due to drunken driving,” Khanapur CPI Sharanappa told Herald, warning motorists to take extra care while driving on this route.
According to official sources, majority of the accidents on this route have been fatal. “I fervently request motorists from Goa to observe extra care while driving on this route that will certainly reduce the risk to precious life,” CPI Sharanappa urged.
The width of road too is one of the prime causes of accidents on this route. Out of 51 kms of this road till Goa border, 14 kms is 7 metres while remaining 37 kms is only 5.5 metres wide.
“This was due to the restrictions of the forest department. However, we have urged the Karnataka government to asphalt the shoulders of the existing road, which without felling of trees will increase the width of the road,” MLA Arvind Patil, who also raised concern over the rise in number of accidents, told Herald.
