Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Former Supreme Court judge and Chairman of the Road Safety Committee, Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, conducted an on-ground inspection of 16 critical traffic black spots in Bhopal on Friday.
The visit was part of an ongoing mission to strengthen road safety measures and reduce traffic-related fatalities in the city and across the state.
Justice Sapre began his inspection at Platinum Plaza, assessing the frequency and causes of accidents. He emphasised the need for speedy completion of pending black spot improvement works and directed officials to treat the matter with urgency.
At Tarun Pushkar Tiraha, officials briefed him about the traffic issues stemming from the absence of a dedicated left turn lane. Work is currently underway there following the relocation of a smart pole.
At the Red Cross Hospital junction, plans to redesign the rotary were discussed, while the intersection near the District Court was flagged for improvement. The team also reviewed past interventions, such as the closed black spot near Paryavas Bhawan, and inspected key intersections, including East BHEL and Ratnagiri on Raisen Road.
Justice Sapre instructed that all identified black spot rectifications be completed on priority to strengthen the city's traffic safety infrastructure. He reiterated the importance of strict enforcement of the ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ rule and expressed concern over the lack of compliance with helmet laws.
He concluded by announcing a follow-up inspection six months later to review the implementation of safety measures.
Police flout helmet rule during Justice Sapre's inspection
Despite clear instructions from Justice Abhay Sapre on Thursday followed by a strict order by Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, several police personnel were seen without helmets during Friday’s inspection. Earlier in the road safety meeting, Justice Sapre had stressed mandatory use of helmets and seat belts by government employees, especially police.
Action against violators
Police Commissioner Mishra said that, for these violations, an order has been issued that no petrol be given to violators, including police officials. “Police must lead by example to make citizens follow rules,” he said.
Numbers speak
After the inspection, he visited the district court where he revealed alarming national and state-level road safety statistics. “In Bhopal, over 900 people have lost their lives in road accidents over the last five years. Of these, 543 were not wearing helmets,” Justice Sapre said, attributing the fatalities to behavioral negligence and weak enforcement.
Rally in city
During his visit to the District Court, Justice Sapre urged the legal community to join the road safety campaign. Lawyers assured him they would soon organise a road safety bike rally in the city.
MP ranks second
While addressing the media persons at district court Justice Sapre said that in the past year alone, India witnessed over 4 lakh road accidents resulting in nearly 1 lakh deaths. Madhya Pradesh ranked second nationwide in accident numbers, with Bhopal leading the state.
