In a significant push to enhance road safety across the nation, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has made remarkable strides in addressing blind spots on India’s National Highways (NHs). These black spots—locations prone to accidents involving fatalities and grievous injuries—have been identified and prioritized for immediate and long-term corrective measures.
Short-Term Interventions
To mitigate risks swiftly, the government has implemented short-term solutions on 9,525 of the identified 13,795 black spots. These measures include:
- Enhanced road markings and signages.
- Installation of crash barriers, road studs, and delineators.
- Closure of unauthorized median openings.
- Implementation of traffic calming techniques.
These steps aim to address immediate safety concerns and reduce the likelihood of accidents in critical zones.
Permanent Solutions
For long-term impact, the ministry has completed permanent rectifications at 4,777 black spots. These structural improvements include:
- Geometric upgrades and junction enhancements.
- Spot widening of carriageways.
- Construction of underpasses and overpasses.
Such measures, based on detailed site investigations, ensure robust and sustainable safety solutions for high-risk areas.
Stringent Safety and Quality Standards
The Ministry adheres to the guidelines and standards of the Indian Roads Congress and the Specifications for Road and Bridge Works to ensure road safety at every stage—design, construction, and maintenance. Regular safety audits are mandated for NHs, covering new and existing stretches.
To ensure the highest quality in construction, the government enforces rigorous quality control protocols, including:
- Comprehensive testing and checks by Authority Engineers.
- Randomized quality inspections.
- Penalization of contractors and consultants for defects or failure to meet standards.
Minister’s Assurance
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared these developments in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to safer highways. These measures underline a robust effort to not only reduce accidents but also build confidence in the safety and reliability of India’s expanding highway network.
With over 9,500 black spots already addressed and further work in progress, the government’s approach signals a critical shift towards safer and more efficient road infrastructure across the nation.
