Official data reviewed during a ground investigation shows that more than 4,000 accidents have occurred on this section of NH-719 since 2017, leaving 5,156 people injured. The highway carries an average daily traffic load of around 20,000 vehicles, far exceeding the capacity of a two-lane road. As per National Highway Authority norms, such traffic volume warrants at least a four-lane, if not a six-lane, highway.
One of the most tragic recent incidents occurred on December 17, 2024. Anil Baghel, an auto driver from Dikhtanpura village in Bhind, was returning home late at night with his wife Aarti and their two-and-a-half-year-old son Ganesh after medical treatment at the district hospital. In the Barohi police station area, a speeding dumper rammed their auto from behind. All three died on the spot, devastating the family and the village.
Residents say such accidents are routine on NH-719. With densely populated settlements lining both sides of the highway and minimal safety infrastructure, nearly every half-kilometre stretch has effectively turned into a black spot. While authorities claim that 16 black spots have been improved over the past three years and only six remain, accident and fatality figures continue to rise, calling these claims into question.
The danger intensifies during wedding seasons and winter months. Traffic volume surges during marriage ceremonies, increasing the risk of collisions. In winter, dense fog severely reduces visibility, while heavy vehicles continue to travel at high speeds. Locals say the combination makes the highway particularly lethal during these periods.
For the past three years, demands to upgrade NH-719 have grown louder. Protests led by ex-servicemen, saints and social organisations have included foot marches, hunger strikes and toll-free demonstrations under the slogan “No Road, No Toll.” Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had assured in July that the highway would be widened to four lanes by 2028. However, residents say no visible work has begun.
Until structural upgrades and strict enforcement are implemented, NH-719 remains a daily risk for thousands of commuters.
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