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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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