According to the World Bank's 2021 study on road crashes and injuries, India has the highest number of road accident fatalities in the world. This has highlighted the pressing need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in the country.

Road Accident Fatalities in India (2020–2022)

The Government of India publishes a report, “Road Accidents in India,” based on data collected from States and Union Territories (UTs). The report provides insights into road accident fatalities across all categories of roads, including National Highways (NHs). Below is a summary of fatalities recorded during 2020–2022:

 

*Note: The years 2020 and 2021 were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced the reduction in road traffic and accidents.

Key Observations

1. Overall Increase: Road accident fatalities in India have consistently increased from 1,38,383 in 2020 to 1,68,491 in 2022, reflecting a growing road safety concern.

2. States with Highest Fatalities (2022):

• Uttar Pradesh: 22,595 fatalities (highest in India).

• Tamil Nadu: 17,884 fatalities.

• Maharashtra: 15,224 fatalities.

• Madhya Pradesh: 13,427 fatalities.

• Karnataka: 11,702 fatalities.

3. States with Lowest Fatalities (2022):

• Lakshadweep: 2 fatalities.

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 19 fatalities.

• Ladakh: 62 fatalities.

Responsibilities for Road Safety

National Highways

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and safety of National Highways across the country. Road safety measures are incorporated as an integral part of all National Highway projects.

1. Mandatory Road Safety Audits:
   Road safety audits are required at all stages of National Highway projects, including:

• Design

• Construction

• Operation and maintenance

2. Budget Allocation for Road Safety:
   Funds allocated for road safety in National Highway development projects vary between 2.21% and 15% of the total project cost, depending on the structures involved in construction.

State Highways and Other Roads

State and UT Governments are responsible for the maintenance and safety of State Highways and other non-National roads.

Standards and Guidelines

1. Indian Roads Congress (IRC):
   The IRC formulates standards, guidelines, and manuals for all aspects of highway construction, maintenance, and road safety.

2. Government Policies:
   The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issues policy circulars on road safety engineering for National Highways. IRC standards and guidelines are mandatory for all National Highway projects to ensure uniformity and safety compliance.

Hit-and-Run Compensation Scheme

Under Section 161 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Government provides compensation for fatalities caused by hit-and-run accidents. To streamline this process, the Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2022 was introduced, with the following provisions:

• A fixed sum of ₹2,00,000 is provided to the legal representatives of the deceased in case of fatalities caused by hit-and-run accidents.

• This scheme was officially notified on February 25, 2022.

The Government of India is actively working to reduce road accidents and fatalities through a combination of engineering improvements, policy initiatives, and compensation schemes. The mandatory integration of road safety audits, adherence to IRC guidelines, and financial support for victims of hit-and-run accidents are steps toward addressing the country’s alarming road safety challenges.