NH-16 Turns Into a Death Trap in Srikakulam With 35 Accident Black Spots

A 175.2-km stretch of National Highway-16 in Srikakulam district, extending from the Paidibhimavaram-Kandivalasa Gadda bridge to Ichchapuram, has become increasingly accident-prone. The highway has six lanes up to Narasannapeta and four lanes from there to Ichchapuram, with accidents frequently reported at 35 identified black spots. Major causes include overspeeding, vehicles entering the wrong route near service roads and curves, loss of control at potholes, vehicles entering NH-16 through 38 connecting roads from villages and indiscriminate roadside parking. Several locations, including Paidibhimavaram, Savaravalli, Srikakulam bypass, Tamarapalli, Shasanam, Mandasa, Baruva Junction and Makharampuram, have witnessed concerns over pedestrians attempting to cross the highway.

Local residents have repeatedly urged authorities to construct underpasses at accident-prone and densely populated locations, but they allege that their requests have not received adequate attention. According to the available figures, 419 accidents were reported on the highway in 2024, followed by 308 in 2025 and 186 in 2026. Road users have been advised to remain alert, avoid stopping vehicles randomly on the highway and use service roads during emergencies. Drivers should follow police and Transport Department warnings at black spots and maintain speed within prescribed limits to reduce the risk of accidents.