Govt rethinking on six-lane roads as 'accidents rise'

MUMBAI: The government is "re-thinking" on six-laning highways as the number of accidents on such roads is increasing by the day, and instead develop four-service and two-service lanes.

"Accidents on the highways are increasing. The government is now re-thinking on its six-laning of highways and instead are looking at constructing four lanes and two service lanes to enable people to cross roads safely," Union road transport and highways ministry director, road safety, Rajeev Lochan said today.

According to statistics, every year 1.2 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents. Out of this, almost 25 per cent accidents take place on state highways and about 28 per cent on the national highways, he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here. Further, the number of serious injuries in road accidents is around 16 times more than road fatalities, he said.

The government was also collaborating with the National Informatics Centre ( NIC) for developing a software whereby information of accidents can be received and emergency rescue measures put into service immediately. "We plan to set up a national server, which will be similar to a call centre, so in case of emergencies, one can call on the numbers provided on the highway and immediate rescue measures can be provided," he said.

Lochan further said the government is also forging partnerships with universities, colleges and schools to spread awareness about road safety.