Yadgir, Karnataka: Students in Yadgir city are putting their lives at risk each day as they cross National Highway 150—which connects Kalaburagi with Gooty in Andhra Pradesh—to reach schools and colleges on either side of the road.
Despite being a high-traffic corridor, the stretch lacks rumble strips, speed breakers, or caution signs near school zones, causing alarm among parents and safety advocates.
Residents have demanded the installation of scientific road humps and cautionary boards near critical zones, particularly between the Deputy Commissioner’s office and Basaveshwar Gunj Circle. “Our children’s lives are in danger. The government must act before tragedy strikes,” said concerned parent Sharanu Gadduge.
However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has said it cannot install speed breakers due to a Supreme Court directive. Ramu, Executive Engineer of NH, explained that such responsibilities now lie with local municipal bodies, not the NHAI.
A ₹136 crore proposal for an 8-kilometre bypass around Yadgir city is in the pipeline, which would ease traffic within city limits. But the project is facing delays due to land acquisition issues and mismatched land records.
Meanwhile, MLA Channareddy Patil Tunnur has urged schools to formally write to the Deputy Commissioner to seek intervention. The Education Department also plans to instruct schools to appoint escorts to guide students safely across the road.
DDPI C.S. Mudhol confirmed that notices will soon be issued to ensure schools take immediate safety measures.