NHAI releases guidelines to address accident-prone spots on national highways

In an effort to enhance road safety, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday introduced guidelines for rectifying accident-prone spots on the national highways by implementing short-term measures.

Under the new guidelines, NHAI project directors have been delegated the authority to address identified accident-prone spots recommended either by the respective state police chief or the district road safety committee, with a budget allocation of up to Rs. 10 lakh per spot. For short-term measures costing more than Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 25 lakh, the responsibility has been assigned to the relevant Regional Office.

"These financial powers are over and above the guidelines issued earlier by NHAI, where Project Directors can approve rectification of MoRTH notified blackspots through short term measures up to an amount of Rs. 25 lakh per black spot. Procurement of the works can also be carried out combining various accident spots pertaining to a project," the ministry of road transport & highways said in a statement.

While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways typically designates black spots based on predefined parameters, the NHAI has taken proactive measures to address accident-prone areas not covered by MoRTH notifications.

According to the ministry, the short-term measures encompass a range of initiatives, including the installation of pedestrian facilities such as zebra crossings with advance warning signs, crash barriers, railings, junction improvements, solar lights or blinkers, road signages, and the implementation of traffic calming measures.