In response to the escalating bike accidents along NH-16 within the city limits, the Kancharapalem traffic police have initiated a pilot project, urging motorcyclists and auto-rickshaw drivers to opt for service roads.

This move aims to alleviate traffic congestion on the highway and enhance road safety.

To communicate this change effectively, the police have strategically placed signboards along the road medians and broadcasted announcements through public addressing systems at key locations like Birla Junction, Kancharapalem Mettu, NAD Junction, and Punjab Junction Road.

Inspector M. Apparao, in charge of Kancharapalem Traffic, emphasized that the appeal is made in the interest of road safety. 

The suggestion to utilize service roads offers an alternative route for two-wheelers, potentially reducing the risk of accidents caused by interactions with heavy vehicles on the highway.

Concerns about the reckless driving behavior of heavy vehicles, attempts to overtake, and visibility issues for two-wheelers prompted this safety initiative.

Despite strict speed limit enforcement in the city, redirecting smaller vehicles to service roads is seen as a proactive measure to prevent accidents.

Inspector Apparao highlighted the extensive stretches of service roads available, particularly from Thatichetlapalem Junction to Marriot Hotel Junction within Kancharapalem traffic limits, as well as in Gajuwaka and PM Palem areas.

hese routes provide safer alternatives for two-wheelers.

While some riders suggested redirecting heavy vehicles to the Anandapuram to Anakapalli highway, others pointed out challenges such as rash driving by auto-rickshaws and encroachments by vendors on service roads, contributing to traffic issues.

Acknowledging the complexities of heavy vehicle movement due to the presence of PSUs, industries, and ongoing construction activities in the city, a senior police officer emphasized that restricting heavy vehicles is challenging, but efforts are made to regulate them during peak timings.

Notably, in 2022, the city reported 333 road accident deaths, with 129 occurring on NH-16.