J&K Road Safety: Court Orders Expert Panel to Identify High-Risk Accident Zones After Public Interest Litigation

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court is taking proactive steps to address the issue of frequent road accidents in the region. Acting on a series of public interest litigations (PILs) highlighting the high death toll from these accidents, the court has directed an expert panel to visit and assess vulnerable spots on two critical highways: the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Highway and the Mughal Road.

A History of Action:

This initiative follows a previous directive issued by the court on December 17th, 2023. The earlier order had directed the formation of an expert panel and instructed them to visit vulnerable locations on the aforementioned highways. The panel was tasked with submitting recommendations to the High Court by the second week of February 2024.

Extending the Deadline and Expanding the Scope:

In a recent hearing on Friday, the division bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice MA Chowdhary, acknowledged the potential need for further assessment. They directed the expert panel to revisit the designated sites.

To facilitate this updated directive, the court has instructed the Jammu Divisional Commissioner to take the necessary steps to ensure the panel’s smooth visit and efficient data collection. The revised deadline for submitting a report with their findings and recommendations is now set for April 22nd, 2024.

Significance of the Expert Panel:

The deployment of an expert panel signifies the J&K High Court’s serious commitment to improving road safety in the region. The panel’s expertise will be crucial in identifying specific problem areas on the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Highway and the Mughal Road. This in-depth analysis can lead to targeted solutions that address the root causes of accidents on these highways.

Potential Outcomes:

The expert panel’s report is anticipated to outline actionable recommendations. These recommendations could encompass various aspects of road safety, including:

• Infrastructure improvements: This might involve identifying and prioritizing repairs or upgrades to road surfaces, signage, guardrails, and drainage systems.
• Traffic management strategies: The report could suggest measures to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enforce speed limits.
• Public awareness campaigns: Recommendations might include educational initiatives aimed at both drivers and pedestrians to promote safe road behavior.

A Collaborative Effort for Safer Roads

The J&K High Court’s initiative, along with the contributions of the expert panel, paves the way for a collaborative effort to enhance road safety in Jammu and Kashmir. By implementing the recommendations from the expert report, the government, local authorities, and road users can work together to create a safer transportation network for everyone.