Mysuru: The stretch of NH-209, connecting Bengaluru and Dindigul, has improved connectivity to Chamarajanagar, though a portion of it passing through the town has turned into an accident-prone zone. Unscientific medians and dividers have reportedly turned the road into a death trap for motorists.A total of 256 road accident deaths were reported and thousands of people were injured along this stretch of NH-209 in the last two years, according to Chamarajanagar district police reports. Villagers from Venkataianachatra, Attagulipura and nearby areas have demanded that the National Highways Authority of India and the district administration take urgent steps to address this hazard. The medians near Venkataianachatra, in particular, have turned out to be deadly, with more than 15 accidents, including fatal ones, reported from that area. Lack of reflective paint, obstruction markings, delayed removal of weeds near crossings and major circles, and unscientific medians have all contributed towards making this area a danger zone. “I appeal to the authorities to remove all unscientific road dividers and construct speed breakers at these places to prevent over-speeding,” said Shamithkumar, Rotary Silk city president and a resident of Venkataianachatra. Speaking to TOI, additional SP MN Shashidhar said the area would be identified as a black spot and measures taken to avoid accidents.
