Parliamentary panel highlights ‘governance failure’ in removing black spots on national highways, proposes 3-tier action plan.

A recent report by a Parliamentary panel has raised serious concerns about the ongoing issue of black spots on national highways across India, highlighting what it described as a “governance failure” in addressing the dangers posed by these accident-prone locations. The panel has urged the government to take immediate and comprehensive action, proposing a three-tier action plan to systematically identify, monitor, and remove black spots on the country’s national highways.

The Problem of Black Spots

Black spots refer to locations on roads, particularly highways, where frequent accidents occur, often leading to fatalities or severe injuries. These spots are typically caused by a combination of factors, including poor road design, inadequate signage, poor lighting, high traffic volumes, and unsafe driving practices. India’s national highways, which serve as crucial links for transport and commerce, have witnessed alarming accident rates, with black spots contributing significantly to the toll.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had previously initiated measures to address the issue, but the Parliamentary panel’s report points to serious lapses in the effective implementation of corrective measures. The committee expressed concern that despite numerous efforts, black spots continue to persist, contributing to thousands of fatalities every year.

The report underscored that black spots are not just dangerous for road users but also reflect poorly on the effectiveness of the state machinery in ensuring road safety. The lack of a unified, coordinated approach to remove black spots is seen as a reflection of governance failures at multiple levels, both central and state.

Governance Failures

In its report, the Parliamentary panel sharply criticized the government for its lack of coordination and timely action in addressing black spots on national highways. It highlighted that despite the identification of high-risk areas, insufficient funds, delayed repairs, and lack of inter-departmental collaboration have hindered the timely removal of these hazardous zones.

According to the panel, black spots continue to exist for extended periods, sometimes even years, without any substantial remedial action. The report pointed out that local authorities, contractors, and highway officials have not consistently followed up on the necessary road safety interventions such as improved signage, better road engineering, or better enforcement of traffic rules.

Another significant issue flagged was the lack of a comprehensive database to track black spots and the accidents occurring at these sites. This has led to an inability to assess the effectiveness of measures taken and further delays in implementing corrective actions.

The 3-Tier Action Plan

To address these issues, the Parliamentary panel has laid down a three-tier action plan aimed at tackling black spots on national highways effectively. The proposed plan includes the following steps:

1. Identification and Monitoring

The first step in the action plan involves a comprehensive identification and monitoring system. The panel has suggested the establishment of a central database that includes detailed records of accident-prone zones, highlighting black spots along with data on the type of accidents occurring, the reasons behind them, and the demographics of those affected.

The plan calls for a national-level audit of all national highways to identify areas with the highest accident rates. This audit should be based on clear parameters such as accident frequency, severity, and road conditions. It is essential for this process to be dynamic, with continuous monitoring and regular updates to ensure that new black spots are promptly flagged and attended to.

2. Road Safety Improvements

The second component of the plan focuses on the physical improvement of road safety in identified black spots. The panel has recommended that highway authorities immediately implement measures such as better road signage, reflective paint for night visibility, installation of rumble strips, guardrails, and proper lighting in areas with high accident rates. Moreover, the panel has suggested the use of modern road engineering techniques, like lane marking, better intersections, and the creation of pedestrian pathways, to reduce road accidents.

A significant emphasis is placed on using technology to improve road safety, such as the installation of speed cameras, sensors, and GPS tracking to monitor traffic flow and enforce speed limits. The panel has recommended that regular audits of these improvements be conducted to ensure that they are effectively reducing the risks associated with black spots.

3. Collaboration and Accountability

The third aspect of the action plan calls for enhanced collaboration between the central government, state authorities, local bodies, and road construction agencies. The panel stressed that a multi-tier approach, involving coordination across various levels of government, is essential to effectively address the black spot issue.

The panel recommended creating a dedicated task force that would oversee the implementation of safety measures at these identified sites. Additionally, it emphasized accountability by setting clear timelines for the execution of road safety projects and demanding regular progress reports from all stakeholders. The involvement of civil society and local communities in identifying and reporting black spots was also emphasized to create a collaborative environment for change.

Financial and Legal Measures

The Parliamentary panel has also proposed the allocation of adequate funds to support the implementation of the action plan. It recommended the creation of a special fund dedicated to road safety improvements, which could be used for infrastructural changes, technological interventions, and public awareness campaigns. The committee also called for reviewing laws and penalties related to road safety violations, suggesting harsher fines and penalties for those responsible for road accidents, particularly those caused by reckless driving and poor road conditions.

Conclusion

The issue of black spots on national highways is a serious concern for India, not only because of the lives lost in road accidents but also because of its implications for governance and public safety. The Parliamentary panel’s report brings much-needed attention to the inadequacies in addressing these hazards and calls for urgent and decisive action.

By implementing a three-tier action plan, which focuses on identifying black spots, improving road safety, and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, the government has an opportunity to reduce accidents and improve road safety. With proper funding, coordination, and commitment, the goal of eliminating black spots from national highways can be achieved, making the roads safer for everyone and saving lives in the process.