Udaipur, December 23,2024 - A gas tanker explosion on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway claimed 13 lives, raising concerns about road safety. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) defended the controversial U-turn near DPS, stating that it was approved by a committee involving state officials.

Jaipur-Ajmer Highway Overview

The Jaipur-Kishangarh section of NH-48 is a six-lane highway carrying around 1,00,000 vehicles daily, mostly heavy ones. A cloverleaf interchange was planned at the Jaipur Ring Road but faced delays, leading to the creation of a temporary U-turn.

NHAI’s Statement

NHAI revealed that the DPS cut was 30 meters wide and equipped with traffic signals and markings. Despite these measures, safety risks increased due to the absence of the planned cloverleaf. The U-turn was widened to 10 lanes to manage traffic but will remain in use for two more years until the interchange is completed.

Contractor Issues

The project to construct the cloverleaf faced delays due to financial issues. The first contractor was terminated in March 2023, and a new one was appointed in June 2024. The revised completion date is March 2026.

• In light of the accident, the NHAI recommended:
• Round-the-clock traffic police deployment.
• Proper storage and transport of inflammable materials.
• Ensuring drivers are well-rested and vehicles are fit.
• Mass awareness campaigns on road safety.

Rajasthan’s Black Spots

Rajasthan's highways have 65 dangerous black spots, including six on NH-48. Remedial work is delayed at many of these locations. The accident site near DPS was a temporary cut, planned to be closed after the cloverleaf's completion. However, it remains open due to the lack of alternative routes.

Steps Taken After the Accident

• Deployment of five traffic constables during the day and four at night.
• Installation of road lights, rumble strips, and a high mast light.
• Investigating whether the tanker driver was speeding or took the turn improperly.

Efforts to Improve Safety

Authorities are focusing on addressing accident-prone black spots across the state. The Rajasthan State Highway Authority has allocated Rs 21.72 crore for 30 such spots, aiming for completion by January 2025.

The safety concerns on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway highlight the urgent need for timely construction and effective traffic management.

Source: Media Reports