At least 356 accidents and 118 casualties have been reported on National Highway 44 (NH-44) in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region between January 2021 and November 2023, with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) identifying four black spots along the stretch.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the ministry informed that two of these black spots have been rectified by four-laning of the stretch and construction of viaduct. Awards have been issued for rectification work of the remaining two black spots by means of tunnel and viaduct.
“A Road Safety Audit is carried out periodically. A total of four black-spots were identified by MoRTH on Nashri-Ramban-Banihal-Quazikund (length: 74.50 km) section of NH-44, which passes through Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, of which two black spots have been rectified,” the Ministry said.
The data shared by the Ministry shows that there has been a drop in the accidents and casualties over the years.
In 2021, there were 166 accidents and the casualties stood at 55. The next year, there were 118 accidents with 42 deaths. This year, up to November, there have been 72 accidents and 21 deaths on the section.
In 2022, at least 4.61 lakh road accidents have been reported across India, which claimed 1.68 lakh lives and caused injuries to 4.43 lakh persons. Of the 4.61 lakh accidents, 1.51 lakh took place on national highways, Further, of the total fatal accidents, 55,571 were on national highways.
Apart from improving the roads, the Ministry is also ensuring fast medical assistance on national highways.
Last week, the Ministry had informed a standing committee that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is in the process of finalising bids for providing ambulances at public funded toll plazas across the country.
“Till date, 300 ambulances have been deployed. On the basis of further assessment, more ambulances shall be provided,” the Ministry said.
The Committee had recommended that the Ministry thoroughly assess the requirements for ambulances on the NH network across the country and arrange for the same in coordination with the agencies concerned so as to enable quality care to accident victims during the golden hour.
“Availability of ambulances may especially be ensured near accident-prone sites and black spots. The Ministry/NHAI may spread awareness regarding the helpline number to avail urgent medical assistance in case of road accidents, through suitable means,” the Committee had suggested.
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