Inside India’s Highway Collapse: A Wake-Up on Road Safety

India expanding its highway network has long been hailed as a symbol of modernization and economic progress. However, beneath this achievement lies a growing concern regarding the safety and sustainability of the country’s highways. The recent collapse on National Highway 66 (NH 66) near Kooriyad in Kerala’s Malappuram district serves as a reminder of the fragility of India’s road infrastructure. This incident highlighted the deeper road safety crisis in India, exposing systemic shortcomings in engineering, maintenance, and governance. 

India continues to rank among the countries with the highest number of road accident fatalities, marking a grave public safety concern that disproportionately impacts young men. Despite numerous government initiatives and safety programs, the nation has struggled to significantly reduce the tragic loss of lives on its roads. 

Poor Road Design Drives Accidents in India 

According to experts, the probability of accidents involves various factors relating to the system. For instance it includes inadequate infrastructure, road development and design, driver violations and the enforcement of rules.  

Poor road design and construction techniques, inadequate liability provisions for lighting, and the presence of "black spots" (short stretches on the road with several accidents occurring previously) increase the likelihood of accidents. 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) renovated and upgraded at an expense of Rs 15,702.80 crore over the last five financial years, yet continues to see black spots emerging.  

Minister Nitin Gadkari claims that the number of black spots is due to poorly designed detailed project reports (DPRs). 

In India, one major reason for increasing road accidents is inadequately designed roads. The lack of basic features in road design, such as wide lanes, proper curvatures, visibility at turns, median strips, rumble strips, and lane markings, often results in accidents. 

“India’s highway safety challenges underscore the critical need for improved road design, DPR audits, and stringent maintenance protocols to prevent accidents,” Says Ramesh Kumar, Senior Road Safety Consultant, Tata Projects Limited. 

Moreover, various audits by TRIPP at IIT Delhi have pointed out numerous flaws in India's road infrastructure, including high carriageways, medians that are too tall and incorrect installation of crash barriers. Only 5,036 of the 13,795 black spots identified along the national highways have undergone long-term rectifications, revealing a large gap in attending to black spots. 

Roads with potholes, inadequate drainage, and an inferior surface increase the possibility of vehicles skidding or losing balance. In 2022 alone, about 4,446 accidents were caused by potholes, which also claimed 1,856 lives and injured 3,734 others. Similarly, ongoing road construction caused disruptions, due to which 9,221 people lost their lives because of accidents in the same period, underlining the requirement for better maintenance and planning. 

An audit conducted along a 3,059 km stretch of road revealed that 2,150 km had either faulty or no signage, highlighting the extensive inadequacy of traffic management systems. 

Inadequate road lighting further contributes to the risk of accidents due to reduced visibility for both drivers and pedestrians in nighttime conditions. Well-designed and properly maintained lighting can significantly reduce accidents and make the environment much safer and more comfortable for all categories of road users. Recent reports say that insufficient street lighting along the national highway that passes through Vijayawada has been the main cause of a number of accidents, which put motorists and pedestrians in jeopardy. 

Also Read: PM Launches Rs 13,430 Crore Projects in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

India to Set Up 1,600 Driver Training Centers 

The government has unveiled a new scheme to enhance driver training across the country. Notably, the government is providing 1,600 driving training facilities throughout all 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) by offering ₹4,500 crore in progressive financial assistance. 

There are currently about 28 functioning driver training facilities in India. In order to increase accessibility, the program aims to incentivize developers to establish new facilities and loosen population-based allocation standards. 

The scheme envisions the development of three types of institutes: Institutes of Driving Training & Research (ITDRs), Regional Driving Training Centres (RDTCs), and Driving Training Centres (DTCs). Of the 1,600 planned institutes, 26 will be ITDRs, 134 will be RDTCs, and 1,427 will be DTCs, creating a comprehensive network to improve road safety and driver education nationwide. 

Reforms Proposed for DPRs and Contractor Oversight 

Reforming the evaluation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) is essential, with experts recommending mandatory independent technical audits before project approval to ensure accuracy and feasibility. 

Post-construction monitoring should be strengthened by enhancing accountability through AI-based project monitoring tools and regular third-party evaluations. To deter poor performance, repeat offenders among contractors and consultants should face penalties, including blacklisting. Additionally, building capacity through targeted training programs for civil engineers and road contractors are crucial, ensuring that their skills and practices align with international standards and best practices. 

FAQ 

How does proper road design contribute to reducing accidents and improving overall traffic safety? 

Proper road design ensures smooth traffic flow, reduces confusion at intersections, and incorporates safety features that prevent collisions and protect all road users. 

What are the common causes behind frequent road accidents in developing countries like India? 

 Major causes include poor road design, inadequate lighting, and weak enforcement of traffic laws, untrained drivers, vehicle overloading, and insufficient maintenance of existing infrastructure. 

How can technology help improve road safety and infrastructure management in India? 

Technologies like AI-based monitoring, GPS tracking, and digital traffic systems can detect risks, ensure accountability, and optimize maintenance for safer, smarter roads.