'Black spots' on Delhi roads claim 86 lives in 2017

Eighty-six people lost their lives and 131 got injured in accidents at 10 "black spots" on the city roads last year, the Delhi government has informed the state Assembly.

In reply to a question, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot told the Assembly last week that 166 accidents were reported from 10 identified "black spots" on the city roads in 2017.

"Black spots" are locations on roads that record three fatal or more than 10 non-fatal accidents in a year. These spots are identified by the Delhi Traffic Police.

The agencies concerned including the civic bodies undertake necessary steps to repair these spots.

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

Eight deaths each occurred in accidents at the Burari Chowk, Birtannia 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 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).

The minister said that as per the Delhi Traffic Police information, a total of 1,584 people were killed in 6,673 road accidents in the city in 2017.

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