(a) whether there has been rise in the number of road accidents on the National Highways (NHs) and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to construct service lanes, underpasses, bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths to avoid the increasing level of accidents on NHs;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the details of programme/ provision of infrastructure made for the main accident-prone NHs in the country?
THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)
(a) As per the data received from police department of all States/UTs the total number of road accidents on National Highways including Expressways in the country during last three calendar years i.e. 2017 to 2019 are shown in the table below (Figure in bracket represents the percentage change.
Year Total Number of Road accidents on all roads Total Number of Road accidents on National Highways
percentage share of Road Accident on National Highway to total accidents
2017 4,64,910
(-3.3) 1,41,466
(-0.6) 30.4
2018 4,67,044
(0.5) 1,40,843
(-0.4) 30.2
2019 4,49,002
(-3.8) 1,37,191
(-2.6) 30.5
(b) & (c) National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) constructs Foot over Bridges (FoBs), Pedestrian underpasses (PUPs) and Pedestrian Subways (PSW) to ensure reduction in accidents involving pedestrians. 153 FoBs have been completed. Pedestrian Markings are marked at median openings and junctions. Footpaths/Walkways are constructed in Urban/habited areas.
(d) The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has notified “Member of Parliaments’ Road Safety Committee” in each district of the country to promote awareness amongst road users under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from the district.
The Ministry has also formulated a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on Education, Engineering (both of roads and vehicles), Enforcement and Emergency Care. Accordingly, various initiatives have been taken by the Ministry as detailed below:-
(i) Education:
? The Ministry implements a scheme for undertaking publicity measures and awareness campaigns on road safety to create awareness among road users through the electronic media, print media, NGOs etc.
? Observance of National Road Safety Week every year for spreading awareness and strengthening road safety.
? A Certification Course for Road Safety Auditors has been commenced in Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE).
(ii) Engineering (both of Roads and vehicles)
? Road engineering
• High priority to identification and rectification of black spots (accident prone spots) on national highways.
• Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at planning stage.
• The threshold for four laning of National Highways have been reduced from 15,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) to 10,000 PCUs.
• Ministry has delegated powers to Regional Officers of MORTH for technical approval to the detailed estimates for rectification of identified Road Accident black spots.
• Guidelines for pedestrian facilities on National Highways for persons with disabilities have also been issued to all States / UTs.
? Vehicle engineering:
• Safety standards for automobiles have been improved.
• Ministry has notified fitment of Speed Limiting devices on all transport vehicles
• Scheme for setting up one model Inspection & Certification Centre in each State/UT with Central assistance for testing the fitness of vehicles through an automated system
(iii) Enforcement
? The recently passed The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for strict enforcement through use of technology and further provides for strict penalties for ensuring strict compliance and enhancing deterrence for violation of traffic rules.
? Rules for protection of Good Samaritans as per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 have been published.
(iv) Emergency care:
? The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides for a scheme for the cashless treatment of victims of the accident during the golden hour.
? The National Highways Authority of India has also deployed 550 ambulances at toll plazas on the completed corridor of National Highways.
? Out of 550 ambulances, 171 ambulances have been upgraded to Basic Life Support as per AIS-125.
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