Arvalli: The Arvalli District Collector has issued a notification banning heavy vehicles from State Highway 59 (Modasa-Dhansura-Bayad-Nadiad) within the district limits for a month, starting from January 4.

This decision comes after numerous accidents involving heavy vehicles like trucks and trailers, resulting in the loss of many lives and injuries. The highway passes through several towns and villages, including Modasa, Kolikhad, Rehiyal, Shika, Dhansura, Kanjrikampa, Hirapurakankampa, Alvakampa, Vatrak, Bayad, Demai, Borol, and Kavath, as well as Reilya, Pankhiya, Kapadvanj, Kathalal, Mahudha, and Nadiad in Kheda district. The high volume of heavy traffic, especially those from other states, posed a significant risk to residents and commuters.

The ban will be in effect from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. This move is expected to significantly reduce the number of accidents and improve traffic flow on this crucial highway.

The Collector’s order banning heavy vehicles on State Highway 59 has provided exemptions for certain types of vehicles. These include:

* Government vehicles
* State Transport buses
* Emergency vehicles
* School buses
* Milk tankers
* Ambulances
* Heavy vehicles participating in functions
* Locally registered heavy vehicles from Arvalli and Sabarkantha districts with registration numbers starting with GJ 09 and GJ 31.

These vehicles will be allowed to ply on State Highway 59 between Modasa-Dhansura-Bayad. However, other heavy vehicles will require permission from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Modasa.

State Highway 59 between Modasa-Nadiad has a capacity to handle 18,000 vehicles per day, but it is currently witnessing traffic flow of 30,000 vehicles. A survey revealed that this 103-km stretch is handling 3,000 heavy trucks despite having a capacity for only 1,600. This has led to numerous accidents and loss of lives in recent years. Truck drivers are reportedly using this route to avoid paying tolls on the Shamlaj-Godhra highway, further exacerbating the traffic and safety issues.