‘Black spots’ claimed 86 lives in 2017: govt

As many as 86 people lost their lives and 131 got injured in accidents at 10 “black spots” on the Capital’s streets last year, the Delhi government informed the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

In reply to a question to this effect, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot told the Delhi Assembly last week that 166 accidents were reported from 10 identified “black spots” on the city’s roads in 2017.

Non-fatal accidents

“Black spots” are locations on roads that record three fatal or more than 10 non-fatal accidents in a year. The agencies concerned including the civic bodies undertake necessary steps to repair these spots.

These spots are identified and data related to them are maintained by the Delhi Traffic Police.

As per this data, according to figures which were submitted by the Transport Minister to the Assembly, 6,673 accidents were reported at these locations in 2017 claiming 1,584 lives.

Among the 10 “black spots”, accidents at Mukundpur Chowk claimed 11 lives, 10 lives were lost at Jahangirpuri bus stand, and nine each at Azadpur Chowk and Bhalswa Chowk.

Eight deaths, each, occurred in accidents at the Burari Chowk, Britannia Chowk, Siraspur, Shani Mandir (NH-1) and the Delhi Gate “black spots”. Seven people were killed in accidents at Shahdara flyover black spot, the Minister said.

As per statistics provided by the Delhi Traffic Police, out of the total 166 accidents, 82 were non-fatal while 84 were fatal, leading to deaths of 86 people and injuries to 131.

The Mukundpur Chowk witnessed 26 accidents last year, followed by Burari Chowk (23), Jahangirpuri bus stand, Azadpur Chowk, and Delhi Gate (19 each).

Mr. Gahlot said the government had last year decided to come up with a road safety policy and its draft has been sent to stakeholders inviting suggestions.