Question : Removal of Speed Breakers on NHs

(a) whether as per the Road Accident Report, 2014, published by his Ministry, many lives were lost due to speed breakers and if so, the details thereof including the number of deaths thereof including the number of deaths occurred during the last three years, State/UT- wise;

(b) whether the Union Government has asked State Government and agencies like National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs and Border Road Organization (BRO) to remove all speed breakers from highways, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has also asked the agencies to explore the possibility of providing foot over bridges or pedestrian underpasses on national highways;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the State Government and respective agencies in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken/ being taken by the Government to install properly designed rumble strips at location such as sharp curves on level crossing and congested or accident prone areas where control of speed on national highways is unavoidable?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) State wise details of Number of accidents and fatalities which occurred during the last three years (2012, 2013, 2014) due to speed breakers are attached at Annexure.

(b) Ministry has been time and again requesting all the states and executing agencies to remove speed breakers from National Highways as National Highways are high speed facilities for movement of goods and passengers. Latest such circular request is issued vide No.RW/NH-33037/01/2016/S&R (R) dated 11.04.2016 to all the state PWDs, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Border Roads Organization, all the states/UTs and other executing agencies.

(c) and (d) Ministry had requested all the executing agencies to explore possibilities of Foot over Bridges and pedestrian underpasses to prevent direct crossing of National Highways by pedestrians in the above said circular request. Further, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to construct foot over bridges or pedestrian underpasses wherever required as per site conditions for which simplified policy guidelines have been circulated by NHAI in March 2016. The work of foot over bridges by NHAI is targeted to be completed by September 2016.

(e) Ministry in the above said circular stipulated provision of properly designed rumble strips at places like sharp curves, level crossings, congested accident prone locations etc., where control of speed on National Highways is unavoidable.