News Brief
India Targets Road Safety: Gadkari Says 13,795 Black Spots Identified On National Highways, Over 14,300 Rectifications Done
(Nitin Gadkari/X)
In a recent statement to Parliament, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari revealed that 13,795 black spots have been identified across the National Highways (NHs), with significant progress made in addressing them, reported PTI.
Out of these, short-term corrective measures have been implemented on 9,525 black spots, while permanent rectifications have been completed at 4,777 locations.
These black spots, defined by frequent accidents involving fatalities or serious injuries, have been identified for targeted improvements.
Gadkari outlined the government’s approach to addressing these issues, with immediate measures such as road markings, signage, crash barriers, road studs, and traffic calming interventions already in place.
Long-term strategies include enhancing road geometry, improving junctions, widening carriageways, and constructing underpasses and overpasses.
Over 101,900 km of NHs have been constructed or developed between April 2014 and December 2024.
The minister noted that the average annual construction rate of NHs has surged by approximately 130 per cent in this period, compared to the previous decade.
Additionally, Gadkari addressed the progress of the Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative, which was approved by the government in 2017 to expand and enhance road infrastructure across the country.
The programme, covering 34,800 km of roads, has awarded projects for 26,425 km, with 19,201 km already completed, including expressways. The completion of the Bharatmala projects is expected by FY 2027-28.
