ROAD accidents on Quetta-Karachi highway are common. It is also called the ‘killer highway’ as, according to the official data, nearly 800 accidents occurred on it last year.

Although Balochistan chief minister’s announcement of installing speed limit metres in buses is laudable, this is certainly not enough to curb the rising number of road accidents on this deadly route which continue to claim lives.

The RCD highway is a one-lane road which has heavy traffic as it connects the capital cities of two provinces. Since its construction by Iran and Turkey under the banner of RCD, it has never been improved, although the traffic has greatly increased on this road.

Moreover, the lack of motorway police, except at some spots, is yet another cause of concern. There are no checks by the traffic controlling agencies on the 813km highway. Vehicle papers and driving licence are not checked, while there is no action against those who violate the safety rules.

Furthermore, there is uncontrollable movement of vehicles carrying smuggled fuel from Iran. The gruesome memories of commissioner of Makran’s accident owing to a vehicle carrying smuggled fuel are still fresh. Such vehicles not only pose threat to the lives of people in case of collision, but also put the lives of many in danger because of the leakage of fuel, making roads slippery.

Besides, the western route of CPEC has not been given due attention. Had this route and projects like doubling of highways from Zhob to Quetta and Quetta to Surab been given importance, road accidents would have been reduced to a great extent. The upgradation of the highways under CPEC must be done for the safety of the people.

It sounds encouraging that the government is contemplating a package for addressing the lingering issues of the southern districts of Balochistan, but other areas too must be given due consideration in phases.

Ghous Bakhsh
Turbat

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2020