RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: A breakdown of a loaded lorry on the Maredumilli–Chinturu ghat road in Polavaram district once again highlighted the dangers of the accident-prone stretch, leaving vehicles stranded for hours and commuters stranded in forested terrain.
The lorry broke down late on Wednesday night at a sharp hairpin bend and brought traffic to a standstill. Authorities restored traffic only by Friday evening after completing repairs. The incident occurred barely a month after a bus accident near the Kanakadurga temple on the same stretch claimed nine lives.
The 30-kilometre ghat road, known for its sharp and frequent curves, has earned notoriety among drivers, who compare its twists to those of Vali and Sugriva. Motorists often misjudge sudden bends, especially at hairpin curves, leading to loss of control and fatal crashes.
Heavy lorries from Chhattisgarh and Odisha frequently use the route to bypass strict checks and fees in Telangana, increasing the risk on the narrow road. Trucks carrying rice husk towards Rajamahendravaram also prefer the route despite its dangers.
Since 2018, at least five major accidents on the stretch have killed 19 people and injured over 25 others, while minor accidents occur almost every week. Potholes, road erosion, rain damage and poor visibility continue to worsen conditions. New drivers, unfamiliar with the terrain, struggle with sudden slopes.
Authorities installed safety railings at previous accident spots, but residents say these have turned into collision points. Vehicles often remain stranded for days after breakdowns, repeatedly paralysing traffic.
Rampachodavaram, MLA Sireesha Devi, said she met the CM and the Roads and Buildings Minister and brought to their notice long-pending issues related to the ghat roads. She said the government must treat the matter with urgency and take immediate steps to improve road conditions, as the numerous curves pose a serious threat to commuter safety. She added that securing necessary clearances from the Forest Department remains essential to expedite the proposed works.