NAROWAL: Accidents are on the rise on Narowal-Muridke Road, primarily due to newly constructed speed breakers and the failure of the Punjab Highway Department to install necessary signboards and reflectors.

The 78km road, which connects Narowal to Lahore, was converted from one-way to two-way in 2014 to alleviate traffic pressure. A point of concern is the Tatley Wali Bridge over a storm drain, which has seen a new bridge built alongside it, yet traffic has not been allowed to flow through the newly constructed structure.

The highway department has failed to construct a crucial 500-meter stretch of road that would link the new bridge to the existing road, forcing traffic to continue using the outdated bridge. As a result, the recently constructed speed breakers near the Tatley Wali Bridge have become a hazard rather than a safety feature.

Local residents said that the speed breakers, intended to enhance safety, are instead contributing to an uptick in accidents — especially affecting new drivers unfamiliar with the road conditions. Concerns have been raised about the lack of indicators and reflectors, which are critical for alerting drivers to the presence of speed breakers, particularly during nighttime.

Locals criticized the Punjab Highway Department for failing to complete necessary road improvements over the past decade. They said that experienced drivers might be aware of the speed breakers, but new drivers are at significant risk due to the lack of proper warnings.

Executive Engineer of the Punjab Highway Department in Narowal Noman Ashraf could not be reached for comment.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Hasan Raza acknowledged that the speed breakers were installed with the intent of reducing accidents but admitted that delays in road construction are due to funding shortages. He said that indicators and reflector boards will be installed soon to improve safety on the road.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2024