Mysuru: Speeding and driver negligence have turned stretches of national highways in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Hassan and Mandya districts into death traps.According to data, a downward trend notwithstanding, between 2022-23 and 2024-25, road accidents claimed 558 lives on national highways passing through these districts.According to data shared by PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi to a question raised by Mysuru-Mandya MLC Madhu G Madegowda, major national highways that pass through these four districts include NH 75 (Mandya, Hassan and Mysuru), NH 209 (Mandya and Chamarajanagar), NH 766 (Mandya and Chamarajanagar), NH 275 (Mysuru and Mandya), NH 275K (Mysuru ring road), NH 150A (Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar), NH 181 (Chamarajanagar), NH 209 (Chamarajanagar), NH 69 (Hassan), NH 73 (Hassan) and NH 373 (Mysuru and Hassan). Among the four districts, Mysuru has the highest stretch of national highways (349km), followed by Hassan (338km), Mandya (271km), and Chamarajanagar (202km). In 2022-23, 741 accidents were reported from nine national highways, resulting in 210 deaths, while 664 persons were injured. The highest number of 480 accidents were reported on NH 275 in Mysuru district, claiming 112 lives. In 2023-24, total number of accidents came down marginally to 717, resulting in 169 deaths and 655 were injured. The highest number of accidents were reported on NH 275 in Mysuru district, with 485 accidents claiming 105 lives. In 2024-25, the total number of accidents further reduced to 648. A total of 179 persons died in these accidents, while 582 sustained injuries. Yet again, the highest number of accidents were reported on NH 275 in Mysuru, with 430 accidents claiming 104 lives. The minister further informed that 112 black spots were identified on these stretches, including 34 in Mysuru district. Activists have highlighted the need for an urgent improvement in safety parameters on the national highways in Chamarajanagar district, especially the highway connecting the district with Kerala. “Accidents between Begur and Gundlupet are increasing by the day. Heavy vehicles are let off even if the drivers are found violating safety norms. Police and transport department must look into these issues,” said M Mahesh, a social activist from Begur.
