UT constructing roundabout at one of city’s most accident-prone light points

Sector 46/47/48/49 light point is among the 15 black spots where maximum road accidents have been reported for the last many years.

The light point of Sector 46/47/48/49 on Thursday (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

The UT engineering department has started constructing a roundabout at one of the busiest and accident-prone light points, Sector 46/47/48/49, on Vikas Marg.

Sector 46/47/48/49 light point is among the 15 black spots where maximum road accidents have been reported for the last many years. In 2021, at least 99 road accidents, including 13 fatalities, were reported at this light point.

This light point situated on Vikas Marg caters to the traffic flow from Mohali to Chandigarh and vice versa, and all the vehicles going to ISBT-43 from Purv Marg and vice versa. Earlier, for reducing the fatal casualties, speed breakers were constructed at all the sides of this light point. The breakers served the purpose to an extent but failed to reduce the number of road accidents.

“The spot inspection after many road accidents at this light point suggested over speeding as the reason. Indeed, speed breakers, zebra crossings, markings, reflectors, cat eyes worked but the roads were widened from four sides. There is a need to restrain the speed besides the installation of the traffic lights. The traffic light system will continue after the construction of the roundabout,” a senior engineering department officer said. The recommendation for the construction of the roundabout was made back in 2018.

General manager, SmarCity Ltd, N P Sharma, said, “As the traffic lights at Sector 46/47/48/49 are not working, CCTV cameras were turned off. The cameras’ direction will be fixed again as per the new markings, including zebra crossing, once the roundabout is constructed.”

The people commuting from Mohali to Chandigarh complain that in the absence of a traffic light system, heavy jam is encountered at the light point round the clock.

The construction work has disrupted the traffic light system along with the Smart City CCTV cameras installed on the top of the light points from four sides. At present, traffic flow is being regulated manually resulting in long queues of jammed vehicles during peak hours. Sources said the construction work is progressing at a slow pace and merely a handful traffic police personnel were deputed there for controlling the traffic.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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