Dr. Dinesh
A head-on collision near Sinclairs Junction at around 9.30 pm today has once again brought road safety concerns on the newly developed Marina Road into focus. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The drivers escaped with minor injuries, according to reports available at the time of writing. An ambulance reached the spot promptly, and one of the vehicles reportedly saw its airbag deploy.
This is not an isolated incident. More than a dozen accidents have reportedly occurred along the new Marina Road. What is particularly worrying is that the road is also frequented by people who come out for evening and late-night walks, jogging and other recreational activities. Fortunately, no pedestrians were caught in today’s accident.
While police personnel have been patrolling the area during night hours and performing their duties, road safety cannot be ensured by policing alone. Motorists must also exercise caution, maintain safe speeds, keep to their respective lanes and strictly obey traffic regulations. Reckless driving and failure to observe lane discipline can have serious consequences, particularly on roads with restricted movement.
In my opinion, the authorities should urgently examine the possibility of resurfacing and slightly widening the existing closed road section (behind the Toilet Block). Reopening it to traffic could provide a practical solution by allowing vehicles travelling from Mazar towards the Aberdeen Bazaar to keep to their left, while those proceeding towards Mazar Pahad could also maintain their respective left-hand lanes.
The reopened stretch could function as a traffic divider or traffic island, providing better segregation of opposing traffic, easing congestion and reducing the possibility of head-on collisions. Such an arrangement, however, should be preceded by a proper traffic engineering assessment to ensure adequate width, visibility, pedestrian safety and appropriate road markings.
The Marina Road is an important public space and a growing attraction for residents. It should not become a stretch associated with repeated accidents. Rather than waiting for a serious tragedy to occur, the concerned authorities should review the existing traffic arrangement and take timely corrective measures. A preventive intervention today could save lives tomorrow.
