Widening Dhimbam Ghat Road at a few bends is nearing completion. Officials expressed the hope that more space for heavy vehicles would reduce accidents in the 14-km steep section that has 27 hair pin bends.
The road connects Bannari with Mysuru. The flow of vehicles, particularly multi-axle lorries and lorries loaded with goods, is very high on the road round the clock.
Lorries falling on their side or breakdown results in piling of vehicles on both the sides. Due to narrow bends, frequent accidents take place at 6th, 7th, 9th, 16th and 23rd bends.
Since the road passes through Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, the National Highways Department obtained permission from the Forest Department for widening the road at bends 6th, 7th, 9th, 24th and 27th. With increase in vehicular traffic on the road that connects the State with Karnataka, the officials expedited the works and they are nearing completion.
The officials said that adequate space was available for heavy vehicles while negotiating the curves as the road was widened.
Last week, three lorries on consecutive days fell on their side at different bends causing disruption of traffic for over three hours.
On Sunday, a coir-laden lorry fell on its side and an earthmover that came to rescue the vehicle also fell on its side.
Later, another earthmover was brought in and both the vehicles were removed from the highway.
COMMents
SHARE