Kolkata Traffic Police Enacts Comprehensive Road Safety Overhaul on DH Road Following Tragic Accidents
In a decisive response to a series of fatal accidents, the Kolkata Traffic Police has rolled out an extensive array of safety modifications along DH Road and James Long Sarani. This proactive initiative comes in the wake of three separate accidents this month that tragically resulted in the loss of five lives. The measures represent a multifaceted approach to traffic management and pedestrian protection.
Strategic Reconfiguration at ESI Hospital, Joka
A pivotal change involves the reversal of entry and exit gates at the ESI Hospital in Joka. Following consultations between the Thakurpukur Traffic Guard and hospital administration, the previous configuration—where the entrance was on the Thakurpukur side and the exit on the Joka side—has been officially switched. Effective immediately, all vehicles must now enter the hospital premises from the Joka side and depart via the Thakurpukur side. This logistical shift aims to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion points near the facility.
Concurrently, the U-turn facility adjacent to the ESI gate on the Joka side has been permanently closed to general traffic. An exception is strictly maintained for ambulances transporting patients. A police officer has been stationed at this location during peak hours to enforce the restriction. All other vehicles seeking to change direction must now utilize the U-turn at either the DH Road-James Long Sarani crossing, near the Thakurpukur 3A bus stand, or from the Joka WBTC tram depot.
Enhanced Physical Safety Infrastructure
The police have implemented several tangible safety upgrades:
- Rumble Strips: Installed near the hospital gates to physically compel drivers to reduce speed.
- Convex Mirrors: Two mirrors have been placed at both ends of the gates, providing motorists with a wider field of vision to monitor oncoming traffic on DH Road.
- Retro-Reflective Signage: Prominent boards and tapes bearing warnings like 'Go Slow' and 'Accident-Prone Zone' have been affixed along the stretch to alert drivers.
- Pedestrian Management: All pedestrian crossovers will be channeled through designated barricades, with the use of drop gates wherever feasible to control crossing safely.
Authorities have acknowledged that while the Public Works Department (PWD) has repaired the road surface, certain design flaws persist at the James Long Sarani-DH Road junction. Officers confirmed that these specific issues are currently being addressed to further improve safety.
Broader Safety Campaign and Enforcement
The Diamond Harbour Traffic Guard is complementing these physical measures with increased manpower and public awareness efforts. Additional police personnel are being deployed on DH Road, and a comprehensive road safety campaign is being launched. This campaign will focus on:
- Educating the public on general road safety principles and blind spots.
- Conducting specialized sessions for high-risk groups like cyclists, auto-rickshaw drivers, and goods vehicle operators.
- Enhancing pedestrian crossover assistance, particularly at the busy Behala Chowrasta crossing, using drop gates and direct police aid.
The Behala Chowrasta to Janakalyan stretch has been specifically selected for this intensified focus due to three critical factors:
- It hosts multiple schools and serves as a primary crossing route for thousands commuting between east and west Behala.
- It is a major transit hub with eight auto-rickshaw and three bus routes originating from the area.
- Police aim to reinforce that recent traffic flow alterations here are part of a sustained, long-term safety strategy, not a temporary measure.
Addressing Persistent Jaywalking Challenges
Despite these efforts, a significant behavioral challenge remains. Officers from the DH Road Traffic Guard report that jaywalking persists, with pedestrians often attempting to cross illegally between speeding vehicles unless directly stopped by police. Approximately seven officers are deployed daily between the new crossover point at Biren Roy Road (West)-DH Road crossing and Barisha High School to manage this. "Jaywalking is deeply ingrained in people. It will take time to change," admitted an officer, highlighting the cultural shift required alongside infrastructural changes.
In a related infrastructural note, the police have also formally written to the Metro Railway authorities, urging them to ensure adequate lighting is maintained under the stations, including the area where the ESI Hospital is located, to improve nighttime visibility and safety.
