Bengaluru
Around 140 fatalities have been reported on the 118 km Bengaluru-Mysuru Access Controlled Highway (B-MACH) since its inauguration in January. The highway, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, has come under scrutiny due to the high number of accidents and deaths occurring on its stretch. The highway, formerly known as the Expressway, faced challenges shortly after its inauguration, including heavy rains that caused flooding and damage to some sections of the road. Opposition parties, especially the Congress, seized upon these incidents during the Karnataka assembly election, accusing the ruling BJP government of inadequate planning and construction. However, police officers and experts suggest that the primary cause of accidents is reckless speeding and careless driving rather than inherent flaws in the highway’s design and construction. They emphasize the importance of drivers adhering to speed limits and adopting safe driving practices to prevent accidents. The issue has sparked a debate on road safety and the need for responsible driving behavior on the highway. Authorities are under pressure to address the situation and ensure that the highway becomes safer for commuters.
