Steep slopes and sharp and narrow bends have made Karmalghatsection along the National Highway-17 an accident-prone zone.
What is worse is that crash barriers erected along the sidesof the road have been damaged and concerned authorities have failed to repairthe same.
The damaged crash barriers pose a serious threat tomotorists, as slight error in maneuvering the ghat can take them hurtling downthe valley.
When crash barriers were first erected it came as a bigrelief to the motorists. But for the last four months the crash barriers arelying unrepaired putting the motorists in a huge risk.
The Karmalghat section from Paddim to Polem is at a distanceof about five kms from Canacona police station and 18 kms from the Cuncolimpolice station.
In the last nine months, as many as eight accidents havetaken place on the Canacona side, while there were four fatal accidents and twoof grievous nature on the other side of Karmalghat, which comes under thejurisdiction of the Cuncolim police station.
Most accidents occur on the other side of Karmalghat as theroad has sharp curves and is quite narrow, said sources in the Canacona RTOoffice. At times it’s next to impossible for vehicles to negotiate the ghat,the source added.
According to Canacona Police Inspector, Harish Madkaikarsome of the riders who are new to the road fail to judge the sides of the roadand as a result meet with accidents.
“It’s difficult for both new and experienced drivers tonegotiate this stretch,” the PI said.
Two years ago, a truck swerved off the road on this stretchand fell into the valley and caught fire. The driver of the vehicle was charredto death. It took almost 48 hours forthe fire tenders to douse the flames.
Accidents also happen because huge trees along the stretchobstruct the vision of motorists, who fail to spot oncoming vehicles.
Pickups and trucks transporting fish also add to the rise inmishaps, as the vehicles do not have sealed containers to carry fish. As aresult water drips on the road which makes it slippery leading to accidents.
