The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has identified Hanuman Mandir Chowk intersection as one of five spots where they will be installing speed tables and pelican lights to check rampant cases of accidents.
The intersection at Hanuman Mandir Chowk in Sector-22 is among the most dangerous places for pedestrians in Gurgaon. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has identified it as one of five spots where they will be installing speed tables and pelican lights to check rampant cases of accidents.
Despite a high number of pedestrians use this intersection every day, the facilities such as zebra crossings, footpaths, signages, road markings and speed breakers are absent at this place.
Pedestrians are also having a tough time at this intersection because of defective traffic signals and streetlights. The situation worsens at night because drivers find it difficult to spot pedestrians with lack of proper lighting.
“The traffic signals at the spot do not function most of the time, and the situation worsens after dark when the streetlights also often stop working, making it difficult for drivers to even spot pedestrians,” Rohit Singh, a resident of Dwarka, New Delhi, said.
Karan Singh, a resident of Dundahera village, said, “The junction has already no amenities for pedestrians and, owing to its close proximity to the New Delhi border, several heavy commercial vehicles and buses pass through the area as well.”
“The resulting heavy traffic during early morning and late night hours only further increase the risk…I myself have seen two accidents in the past, where pedestrians came under the wheels of trucks,” he said.
As per the record of Gurugram police, 23 accidents have happened at this intersection between January 2017 and April 2018. The data confirm the intersection as one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians.
The intersection witnesses heavy traffic every day because traffic from Shankar Chowk road merges with the bi-directional traffic from the Old Delhi Gurgaon road at this place. As there are many offices in the vicinity, the spot witnesses huge traffic during peak hours. Also, there is a great footfall at the Hanuman Mandir situated at the intersection.
“In our inspection report, we have informed authorities that the entire junction needs a complete overhaul in designing, with speed tables and cycle tracks being installed here to check the speed of vehicles and reduce accidents. Presently, there are no measures in place for the safety of pedestrians. Changes are much needed,” Sarika Panda Bhatt, program coordinator of Haryana Vision Zero said.
