The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recognized a total of 13,795 hazardous locations, commonly referred to as black spots, on national highways throughout the country. Of these, short-term corrective actions have been successfully implemented at 9,525 locations, while 4,777 black spots have been permanently addressed. This information was conveyed by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a written response to the Lok Sabha.

Minister Gadkari further noted that Karnataka has the highest concentration of black spots, totaling 1,217, followed closely by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Specifically, Andhra Pradesh has identified 1,202 black spots, while Telangana has reported 1,121.

Additionally, the minister elaborated that the government has initiated immediate short-term corrective measures at these black spots, which encompass the installation of road markings, signage, crash barriers, road studs, delineators, the closure of unauthorized median openings, and various traffic calming measures. He also mentioned that long-term solutions, including enhancements to road geometry, junction improvements, widening of the carriageway, and the construction of underpasses and overpasses, are being implemented based on site assessments. These actions are intended as permanent solutions, as stated by Gadkari.

Previously, in December 2023, the minister had informed the Lok Sabha that Tamil Nadu had the highest number of black spots within the national highway network, totaling 748. He indicated that the government had identified an overall total of 5,803 black spots across the national highway system, with Tamil Nadu leading, followed by West Bengal and Telangana, which have 701 and 485 black spots, respectively.

What is a black spot on national highways?

Certain areas along national highways are designated as black spots due to the frequency of accidents that result in fatalities and serious injuries. Specifically, a black spot is defined as a segment of approximately 500 meters where at least five road accidents have occurred over the past three years, leading to a total of ten fatalities. The identification of these black spots is carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which hold primary responsibility for the development, operation, and maintenance of national highways.

Read Also: Massive Year-End Discounts on Skoda Superb

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!