By Keshab Raj Poudel, Kathmandu, Feb. 6: Lack of appropriate traffic signs and technology in place has increased the number of accidents in the country’s first underpass, the 800-meters underpass at Kalanki.

Even though the underpass, constructed with the Chinese government aid, has made traffic management of the area easier, the traffic personnel themselves admit that the underpass, of late, has become an accident prone area.

The Department of Road, however, seems to be overlooking the need of installation of traffic signs and technology in the newly constructed Kalanki underpass, said the Traffic. 

There has been at least 10 serious road accidents till the date from August at the underpass. In the 10 accidents, three died on the spot while the rest became handicapped for life.

Police Inspector of Metroplitan Traffic Police Kalanki, Purushottam Karki, said that the number of accidents and injuries borne due to the accident had been increasing daily.

The fact that three persons lost their lives in a mere 100-meter long pass is alarming, said Karki.

Over-speeding isn’t the only reason for increasing accidents in the Kalanki underpass, the pedestrians also do not follow the traffic rules and cross the road from wherever they want, he said.

“Upon checking the radar speed gun, the vehicles were found to be speeding over 100 kilometers per hour,” he said. “Even though we started charging Rs. 1,500 for those who over-speed, this hasn’t brought consciousness amongst the people.”

On Wednesday, an accident took place due to invisibility of lane separator in the underpass.

“The motorcycle first crossed the lane. A tripper coming from opposite direction then crossed its lane to save the motorcycle rider,” Karki said. “Had there been reflective lane divider, the accident could have been avoided.”

Keshav Kumar Sharma, Director General of Department of Roads, said that the lane divider and lights only weren’t the reason behind increasing accidents.

“Road accidents have been increasing due to carelessness of drivers, riders and pedestrians,” Sharma said.

Sharma said that the concerned authority hadn’t informed the Department of Roads about lack of proper technology and traffic signs being the prime reason behind increasing road accidents.