The number of accidents reported, however, shot up to 396 in 2008, as compared to 371 cases in 2007. Similarly, the number of injured persons rose from 322 in 2007 to 370 in 2008. This number, of both the dead and injured, might have been more as several mishaps were not reported and were settled through mutual compromise.

While this is a sign of better enforcement of traffic rules, much, however, needs to be done to bring down the number of mishaps.

“Our concerted efforts towards proper traffic regulation, spreading public awareness and enforcement of traffic rules have helped in curbing the number of casualties,” Mohali Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Raka Ghirra said.

The Mohali-Kharar-Kurali stretch of National Highway-21, which has been termed as the “killer stretch”, still witnesses the maximum number of accidents and casualties in the district.

Ghirra said that till arrangements to decongest the “killer stretch” are made, the problem can not be solved permanently. Though the Public Works department (Buildings and Roads), Central Works Division, had recently recommended the lowest financial bid to four-lane the “killer stretch” between Desumajra and Kharar, the work is yet to begin.

He further disclosed that the district police have identified the accident-prone points in Mohali with a view to curb road accidents and manage traffic in a more effective manner.

“Our resolve for 2009 is to pay special attention on identified accident-prone points and to enforce traffic norms in a strict manner and reduce traffic congestion,” Raka said.

The Reality
The data compiled by Newsline reveals that accidents on the 7.5-km stretch of NH-21 between Mohali and Kharar claims one life every alternate day. On an average, a major accident takes place on the the national highway every day.

This highway lacks dividers, indicators, lights, speed breakers and road symbols. The accident-prone points have been identified as Daon, Desumajra, Mundi Kharar, Bansan Wali Chungi Chowk, Quila Chungi Chowk and Khanpur T-point.

The highway was laid in 1940 and had a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour. Sixty-eight years later, while the volume of traffic has increased manifold, the width and strength of the road remains the same. Though the stretch between Mohali Bridge and Desumajra was four-laned, the presence of a narrow carriageway till Khanpur Bridge is fatal. Though a few ambulance stand-posts have also been built, the facilities at civil hospitals along the highway need to be upgraded.