In a significant push toward enhancing road safety across the country, the Government of India has successfully completed long-term rectification work on 5,036 black spots identified on National Highways (NHs). These black spots, notorious for recurring fatal and grievous accidents, are being systematically addressed through a mix of short-term and permanent safety measures.
According to a written reply by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in the Rajya Sabha, 13,795 black spots have been officially recognized nationwide based on accident data submitted by State Governments. These spots meet specific criteria involving the frequency and severity of road accidents.
Short-term interventions—such as installation of road markings, signage, crash barriers, and traffic calming mechanisms—are implemented immediately upon identification of a black spot. In parallel, long-term solutions like geometric redesign, junction improvements, construction of underpasses, overpasses, and widening of carriageways are taken up for more sustainable safety enhancement.
“The rectification of black spots is a continuous and ongoing process,” the Minister noted, emphasizing that temporary safeguards are put in place swiftly while comprehensive repairs and improvements follow.
Further bolstering this effort, the National Road Safety Council was reconstituted on August 7, 2023, under Section 215 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Headed by the Union Minister himself, the Council includes State Transport Ministers and senior officials from all States and Union Territories, aiming for coordinated and unified action across jurisdictions.
To strengthen accident data analytics and response, the Government has rolled out the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) Project—a centralized platform for managing, tracking, and analyzing road accident information. New guidelines issued in February 2024 mandate timely action on accident spots reported through e-DAR, enabling real-time rectification and preventive interventions.
This concerted effort marks a critical step in India’s mission to reduce road fatalities and enhance public safety on highways. With over 5,000 black spots already addressed, the government continues to push forward, reaffirming its commitment to “zero tolerance” for preventable road accidents.
