MP roads get 48-hour pothole repair deadline:Supreme Court committee seeks action report within 2 months

Now, the administration and road construction agencies will have to barricade potholes, open drains, and waterlogged areas on the road. The Supreme Court has written a letter to the state government, asking it to fill potholes and provide necessary facilities within 48 hours. In the letter sent to the Chief Secretary, the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has sought a report within two months. Instructions have also been given to provide lighting at such places at night during rain, to prevent road accidents. The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety has issued strict instructions to all states and union territories regarding the increasing road accidents. The committee has asked for immediate repair and safety arrangements for potholes, open drains, manholes, and waterlogged areas without barricades. The Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh has also been issued instructions in this regard and asked to submit a report. The committee has stated in the letter that open and unlit waterlogged areas along roads and bad roads are causing fatal accidents. Negligence in road safety has claimed many lives. Potholes to be filled within 48 hours of receiving information The committee has instructed all states and union territory administrations that identified potholes should be repaired immediately and action should be taken within 48 hours of receiving information about any danger. Additionally, it will be mandatory to arrange for strong barricading, reflective tape, and adequate lighting at open manholes, drains, and waterlogged areas. The instructions state that road construction and maintenance should be in accordance with the standards of the Indian Road Congress (IRC). The committee has said that strict action may be taken against states that do not comply with the instructions. All states, including MP, have been instructed to submit a report within two months. Data on accidents over five years requested District Road Safety Committees have been ordered to conduct regular audits and review safety arrangements. The committee has asked states for data on accidents caused by potholes in the last five years. Information on deaths and injuries in open waterlogging and unbarricaded areas has also been requested. Earlier in 2018, the Road Safety Committee had also given several instructions to states to reduce road accidents. These included instructions such as increasing highway patrolling, speed monitoring, installing roadside barriers, auditing accident-prone areas, and ensuring the safety of school vehicles.