Bushes on Sadar fly-over spark safety concerns, commuters demand action

 

 

 

The Sadar fly-over, particularly the ramp near Kasturchand Park, has once again become a focal point of public concern, not for its intended benefits but for persistent safety issues. Following Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s recent intervention to redesign the flyover last week, attention is now turning to a different, yet equally pressing, hazard: overgrown bushes near the NIT office, dangerously encroaching on the carriageway. The fly-over, a crucial artery for traffic flowing from Samvidhan Square, experiences significant congestion before vehicles ascend the ramp. However, as commuters begin their climb, they are met with an alarming sight that of dense tree bushes extending onto the flyover, effectively swallowing the left-hand lane.

 

This narrower lane, typically utilised by two-wheelers seeking to avoid faster-moving heavy traffic, is now rendered perilous, forcing riders dangerously into the main flow of vehicles. The peril intensifies after dusk. Even with streetlights operational, which they are often not, the dark backdrop of the night sky makes these overgrown bushes incredibly difficult to spot, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. A similar hazardous situation is evident on other sections of the road leading to Samvidhan Square.

 

While these trees do not directly obstruct two-wheeler traffic, they are precariously close to the path of descending trucks and buses. This proximity frequently compels larger vehicles to swerve dangerously into the opposing lane to avoid striking the foliage, causing damage to the central divider. Commuters are now vociferously demanding immediate action from the authorities before a tragic incident occurs. "It's an absolute nightmare, especially on a motorbike," stated Priya Sharma, a resident of Friends Colony. "You're already battling the rush, and then suddenly, you have to veer out of your lane because of these overgrown bushes.

 

"It's an accident waiting to happen," she added. Rajesh Singh, who commutes daily from Koradi, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration at the perceived inaction. "We have been talking about the fly-over's design flaws for ages, but this is a basic maintenance issue that's being ignored. The authorities need to trim these bushes back immediately. "It's not rocket science; it's about public safety," stated Rajesh Singh. The growing clamour from the public underscores the urgent need for the relevant civic bodies to address this easily rectifiable, yet potentially fatal, problem. With redesign plans already underway, it is hoped that these immediate safety concerns will also be prioritised to ensure the fly-over serves its purpose safely and efficiently for all road users.