Muscat – Parents have called for improved road safety measures in the city, especially on Al Bustan Road in the vicinity of Indian School Wadi Kabir (ISWK). These include accessible and user-friendly foot overbridges. Students often cross the busy road to reach school or return home in the afternoon sometimes leading to accidents.

These calls follow an accident that claimed the life of Sameeha Tabassum, an eighth-grade student of ISWK, on Thursday. 

Tragedy struck as Sameeha and her mother were crossing the road in front of her school.

Expressing the views of many parents in Wadi Kabir, Sonal Sharma, a homemaker said, “We cannot afford to lose more lives due to inadequate safety measures. It’s imperative that authorities address these concerns immediately and provide safer alternatives for our children. We parents are urging authorities to implement enhanced safety measures, including the construction of foot overbridges so that students can cross roads safely. Students often cross the busy Wadi Kabir main road to reach school or return home, risking their safety.”

According to Ayesha Khan, another resident of the area, the current conditions around ISWK “pose a constant threat” to students’ safety. “Authorities must take swift action to prevent such tragedies. There must be foot overbridges from the school to the other side of the road. It is our duty to look after every child’s safety. We have foot overbridges in other parts of the city.  Why not at this crucial location?” she asked.

Ayesha also suggested installation of speed limit boards on the main road near ISWK.

A subway connecting Souq Juma to the other side of the main road near ISWK remains mostly unused, raising the need for an accessible and user-friendly solution like a footbridge.

Susan D’Souza, a mother of two children studying at Indian School Muscat, said, “Instead of blaming one another, I think the best remedy is to find an immediate solution. Having a foot overbridge from ISWK to the other side of the road is the best option. Also, staff must be delegated immediately after school gets over – for minimum 30 minutes thereafter – to ensure no student crosses the road. Schools must understand that their responsibilities do not end at the school gate or walls.”

Susan added that the tragic death of Sameeha is a wake-up call for immediate and effective safety improvements. “Our children deserve safer environments. The authorities must prioritise their wellbeing on roads.”

Either side of Al Bustan road has several schools, including Indian School Wadi Kabir International and Sri Lanka School Muscat.