With fog, sleep and speed taking a toll on highways, the UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has come up with the novel idea of protecting commuters by providing free hot beverages at select places to drivers on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.
A senior UPEIDA official told this reporter on Thursday that a proposal was mooted after concerns were raised about the safety of passengers due to dense fog enveloping the stretch in winters.
“Besides, there are reports about high speed and tired drivers dozing off, resulting in accidents, most of them being reported after 10 pm. In an effort to bring down the number of mishaps, the UPEIDA proposes to serve tea and coffee to drivers of UP Roadways buses at select places between 12 midnight and 6 am,” the official said.
For this, special kiosks will be set up where drivers can take the beverages and rest for a while. There will be around four-five such kiosks on the 302-km-long expressway.
“These kiosks will serve as a boon for the drivers as there are no dhabas or eating points for several kilometres on Agra-Lucknow Expressway. A long drive and fog can cause fatigue and a small break will rejuvenate the drivers and help in preventing accidents,” the official said.
In January, 2018, 81 people lost their lives and over 200 were injured in a series of accidents on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Speed limits have been enforced and police patrol jeeps have been deployed at various places to check speeding vehicles.