New Delhi: In a dedicated effort to bolster road safety across the country, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a proactive stance by issuing comprehensive guidelines for rectifying accident-prone spots on the National Highways, said the Ministry in a statement on Friday. These guidelines aim to implement short-term measures to mitigate risks and improve safety conditions, the statement added.
Under the newly introduced guidelines, NHAI Project Directors have been granted the authority to undertake rectification measures at accident-prone spots that have been identified and recommended either by the respective State Police Chief or by the District Road Safety Committee. Each spot can be addressed with an allocated budget of up to Rs. 10 lakh. Furthermore, short-term measures costing between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 25 lakh will be the responsibility of the concerned Regional Office.
These financial powers augment the existing guidelines issued by NHAI, where Project Directors were authorised to approve rectification of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified blackspots with short-term measures, with a budget of up to Rs 25 lakh per black spot, said the statement. Moreover, NHAI has now allowed the procurement of works by combining various accident spots related to a particular project, further streamlining the process, it added.
While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways identifies black spots based on predefined parameters, NHAI takes this proactive initiative to rectify accident-prone spots with short-term measures, in addition to the already notified black spots by MoRTH, said the statement. The implementation of these measures aims to enhance road safety and improve user convenience on the National Highways, it added.
The short-term measures encompass a range of safety enhancements, including the installation of pedestrian facilities such as zebra crossings with advance warning signs, crash barriers, railings, junction improvements, solar lights/blinkers, road signages, and the implementation of traffic calming measures, among others. The NHAI has prioritised the improvement of safety standards on the National Highways, ensuring a secure, smooth, and seamless travel experience for all commuters.
The introduction of these guidelines reflects NHAI's commitment to proactively address road safety concerns and mitigate potential hazards on the National Highways. By collaborating with relevant authorities and implementing short-term measures, NHAI aims to create a safer road network that promotes the well-being of all road users. The NHAI's initiative will not only contribute to reducing accidents but also foster greater public confidence in the safety standards of the National Highways. As NHAI takes steps to rectify accident-prone spots and implement safety measures, road users can look forward to a more secure and enjoyable travel experience.
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