Telangana BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy has stirred controversy with his remark that “if roads are bad, vehicles move slowly and accidents are less likely. But when roads are good and sharp, the chances of major accidents increase,”
His comment came after a tragic bus accident in Chevella claimed 19 lives and injured over 30 people. Reddy also blamed the previous BRS government for delaying land acquisition for the Hyderabad–Bijapur highway, alleging negligence and real estate interests slowed road development.
The accident, which occurred when a gravel-laden tipper truck collided head-on with a government bus, has reignited political sparring and raised questions over road safety and infrastructure priorities in the state.
Road Safety and Political Context
The Chevella accident occurred on a narrow stretch of the Hyderabad–Bijapur National Highway, known for safety issues due to stalled expansion. Land acquisition delays and legal challenges from environmental activists protecting over 850 mature banyan trees along the route have hindered progress.
The BJP alleges that the BRS government prioritized real estate over road safety between 2016 and 2021. Meanwhile, BRS counters that land acquisition was completed during their tenure and central government delays, along with court stays from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stalled the project. The NGT hearing on this matter occurred on the same day as the accident, adding poignancy to the tragedy.
Accident Details and Official Statements
The fatal crash in Ranga Reddy district involved a tipper truck and a Telangana State RTC bus, killing 19 people including women and an infant. Over 30 others were injured but in stable condition. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy expressed condolences and blamed previous government delays for unsafe roads.
BRS rebutted, criticizing his remarks as insensitive, and highlighted the balance needed between infrastructure development and environmental preservation. Local politicians and activists have called for urgent work to improve road safety without harming treasured banyan trees.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy exposes the tensions between infrastructure needs, environmental conservation, and political accountability. While safer, expanded roads are essential, ignoring environmental concerns can lead to legal and social complications.
The Logical Indian encourages collaborative dialogue and careful planning that prioritises public safety and respects ecological heritage. In an era of politicised tragedies, fostering mutual understanding and urgent action is vital.
