Parliament Question: National Highway safety in Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 4258 ANSWERED ON - 01/04/2026 NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY IN KERALA

4258. SHRI SANDOSH KUMAR P:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state :-

(a) the total number of road accidents and fatalities reported on National Highways in Kerala during the last five years, year-wise;

(b) the number of accident-prone “black spots” identified on National Highways in the State and the details of corrective measures taken;

(c) whether the ongoing widening and development works on National Highways, including NH-66, have led to increased accident risks and traffic disruptions;

(d) the funds allocated and released for road safety measures on National Highways in Kerala during the last five years; and

(e) the steps taken to enhance highway safety through improved signage, service roads, pedestrian crossings and emergency response systems? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) The Government publishes report on “Road Accidents in India” based on data received from States/ UTs. As per the data, details of road accidents and fatalities on National Highways

(NHs) in Kerala State during the calendar year 2020 to 2024 is given below : - Year Road Accidents in Kerala Fatalities in Kerala (on (on NHs) NHs) 2020 6594 887 2021 8048 975 2022 17627 1197 2023 10640 1056 2024 9757 940

(b) Rectification of black spots is a continuous process, and temporary measures are taken on immediate basis. Out of total 701 black spots identified on the National Highways in the State ofKerala, short-term rectification measures have been completed on 599 black spots. Long-term rectification measures, as recommended by road safety audit reports, are implemented only at locations deemed necessary. Accordingly, long-term measures have been completed at 123 black spots.

(c) All NH works are carried out as per standards, guidelines, manual, code of practice of Indian Roads Congress as well as specifications for Road and Bridge Works. Comprehensive

guidelines exist in IRC:SP:55-2014 : Guidelines on Traffic Management in Work Zones which caters to the need for safety in construction zones.

(d) Road Safety is an integral and indispensable component of every National Highways Project. Road Safety initiatives on National Highways commence with the inception of Detailed Project Report (DPR) as road safety audit of all National Highways projects has been made mandatory at all stages i.e. design, construction, operation & maintenance through auditors/experts. As per available data, funds allocated to be spent for comprehensive road safety aspects varies from 2.21% to 15% of total cost of the development projects depending upon structures involved for construction of National Highways.

Besides, the Government also implements the scheme for creation of awareness & publicity among road users and provides financial support to Transport Departments of States/UTs for setting up of Model Driving Training Institutes/Centres, setting up of Model Inspection & Certification Centres, improving and Strengthening of Public Transport System etc.

(e) All NH works are carried out as per standards, guidelines, manual, code of practice of Indian Roads Congress as well as specifications for Road and Bridge Works. Necessary road safety measures inter-alia including provision of crash barriers, signage boards, foot over bridges, service roads, pedestrian crossings, etc. are taken during design, construction, operation and maintenance stages. Further, Guidelines have been issued for regular safety audit of all NHs at design, construction, pre-opening stage of NH projects as well as on existing NHs for ensuring road safety.

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