Jammu: The Dalwas curve on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has come under renewed scrutiny after a multi-vehicle collision left four persons injured on Thursday, with local residents demanding urgent intervention by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address safety concerns at the accident-prone stretch.
The accident occurred near the New Petrol Pump at Dalwas in Ramban district when a truck bearing a Uttar Pradesh registration number collided with two cars travelling from Jammu towards Srinagar, officials said.
Four persons sustained injuries and were shifted to District Hospital Ramban for treatment. Their identities were not immediately known.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and an investigation is underway.
The latest collision has revived concerns over the safety of the Dalwas stretch, where residents claim that more than 100 accidents have occurred over time.
They have questioned whether the sharp curve, steep gradient and existing road safety arrangements adequately address the risks faced by commuters, particularly drivers of heavy vehicles.
According to local residents, the stretch becomes particularly dangerous for loaded trucks travelling from Srinagar towards Jammu.
The steep descent can cause vehicles to gain speed, while the sharp bend makes it difficult for drivers to maintain control, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Residents argue that the recurring accidents warrant a technical assessment of the road geometry and safety infrastructure instead of attributing every mishap solely to overspeeding or rash driving.
They have urged the NHAI and the district administration to examine whether the gradient, curve design, drainage arrangements and other engineering factors are contributing to the accidents.
The presence of a petrol pump near the curve has also added to concerns over safety and traffic movement in the area.
Locals have called for a comprehensive safety audit of the stretch and corrective measures, including improved warning signage, appropriate speed-control arrangements, better drainage wherever required and additional protective infrastructure, depending on the findings of a technical assessment.
They said the repeated incidents at the location should prompt preventive action before another accident results in loss of life or serious injuries.
The Dalwas incident also highlights broader road safety concerns along NH-44, a vital highway connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region.
Several stretches along the highway feature steep gradients, sharp bends and challenging driving conditions, particularly for heavy vehicles.
While the exact cause of Thursday’s collision has not yet been established, residents maintain that the reported accident history of the Dalwas curve warrants a detailed investigation into the factors behind the recurring mishaps.
They have urged the authorities to identify vulnerable points along the highway, assess the adequacy of existing safety measures and implement necessary improvements to protect commuters and prevent further accidents.
Woman killed in Reasi mishap
Jammu: A tempo traveller skidded off the road and rolled down a hill in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district early Thursday, leaving a 45-year-old woman dead and three others injured, officials said.
The accident took place in Dansal area, they said.
The deceased was identified as Gulshan.
