Accident near Chatilodgadha puts focus on visibility and traffic-control arrangements at roadside company gate
CUTTACK, SEPTEMBER 22:
A motorcycle rider was injured after a truck reportedly emerging from a soft-drink company located along National Highway-16 near Chatilodgadha under Tangi police station limits collided with the two-wheeler.
The accident has renewed concerns among local residents about the safety arrangements for heavy vehicles entering the busy highway from commercial establishments situated close to NH-16.
According to local residents, vehicles coming out of the company premises are not consistently assisted by a designated traffic or safety employee while joining the highway. They have also raised concerns about restricted visibility near the company entrance.
Visibility at Exit Point Under Question
Residents said trees and their overhanging branches near the entrance can obstruct the view of vehicles approaching on NH-16. Because of the limited visibility, a vehicle leaving the premises may not immediately be able to identify traffic moving along the highway.
They claim that similar situations have contributed to repeated accident risks in the area.
However, the exact cause of Tuesday’s collision and responsibility for the accident will have to be established through the police investigation and other relevant official assessments.
Demand for Safety Measures
Following the latest incident, local residents have sought stronger safety arrangements at the company entrance.
Among the measures suggested are:
- Deployment of a trained traffic/safety marshal when heavy vehicles leave the premises;
- Improvement of visibility at the highway entry point;
- Trimming of branches obstructing the driver’s view, wherever legally permitted;
- Installation of appropriate warning signs and road-safety mirrors;
- Better coordination between company vehicle movement and highway traffic; and
- Inspection of the entry and exit arrangement by the concerned authorities.
Need for Highway-Side Safety Review
The incident has also raised a broader road-safety issue concerning commercial establishments operating alongside high-traffic national highways.
Local residents want the concerned authorities to examine whether the company’s entry and exit arrangement provides adequate visibility and safe access to NH-16, particularly when heavy trucks are involved.
The injured rider’s medical condition and details of any police case or investigation were not independently available at the time of publication.
GTNS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2026