In a bid to bolster road safety and reduce accidents, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a transformative decision to overhaul two-lane national highways across India, which have long been deemed hazardous for road travelers.
Rationale Behind the Initiative:
The initiative seeks to replace existing two-lane highways with four-lane or six-lane highways, or those with access control, to mitigate safety risks and enhance the overall road infrastructure. Challenges on Two-Lane Highways:
Two-lane national highways pose significant safety concerns due to their narrow width of 10 meters, which lacks dividers, making them prone to head-on collisions. The absence of dividers often exacerbates risks, particularly during overtaking maneuvers, leading to a higher incidence of accidents. Moreover, the presence of mixed traffic including cyclists, pedestrians, and rickshaws further compounds safety challenges on these roads. Statistics and Impact:
In 2022 alone, India witnessed a staggering 461,312 road accidents, resulting in 168,491 fatalities. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of these accidents occurred on national highways, with two-lane highways bearing the brunt. The data underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the disproportionate number of accidents and fatalities on narrower roads. Upcoming Transformations:
The ministry’s plan entails converting existing two-lane highways into broader roads, ranging from 14.8 to 15.6 meters in width, equipped with central dividers to prevent head-on collisions. These upgraded highways are poised to usher in a new era of safer passage for vehicles, minimizing the risks associated with narrower roads. Expected Benefits:
The overhaul of two-lane highways into broader roads with enhanced infrastructure is anticipated to yield substantial benefits, foremost among them being a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities. The introduction of central dividers will serve as a crucial preventive measure against head-on collisions, addressing a common peril on narrower highways. Conclusion:
The Indian government’s initiative to revamp two-lane national highways underscores its unwavering commitment to prioritizing road safety and fostering a safer transportation ecosystem for all road users. By upgrading infrastructure and addressing inherent safety challenges, the nation takes a decisive step toward curbing road accidents and saving lives.
