Frequent accidents turn NH-65 into Telangana’s deadliest stretch
HYDERABAD: Several roads across Telangana have become accident zones, with 936 identified “black spots” where fatal crashes repeatedly occur. Every year, hundreds lose their lives and thousands are injured in these stretches.
Although national highways make up only 2.1% of the state’s total road length, they account for nearly two-thirds of all black spots. Among them, the Pune–Vijayawada route via Hyderabad and Suryapet (National Highway 65) has recorded the highest number of accidents.
Field visits by Eenadu correspondents to Yadadri, Nalgonda and Suryapet districts revealed a mix of driver negligence and engineering faults. NH-65 alone has 17 black spots. Of the 10 most dangerous spots in Telangana, eight fall along this highway.
Danger zones and poor planning
A “black spot” is defined as a 500-metre road stretch where at least five accidents or ten deaths occur within three years. On NH-65, several sharp curves and village cross-roads have become death traps due to lack of signals or warning signs.
At many points, heavy vehicles and two-wheelers take U-turns in the middle of the highway, increasing collision risks. Poor signage and inadequate lighting add to the danger.
On NH-44, the Balanagar (Peddayyipalli) crossroads in Mahbubnagar district saw 33 accidents and 20 deaths in the past three years. Vehicles turning toward Peddayyipalli and Gundeddu villages collide frequently. A flyover is now under construction to address the issue.
Similarly, the Dandumalkapur–Maisamma Gudi stretch in Choutuppal mandal of Yadadri district witnesses accidents every two to three days. Drivers halt on the highway for U-turns, while trucks and two-wheelers approach from the wrong side despite rumble strips being installed.
