Aimed at reducing road deaths, Delhi government launches 'zero fatality corridor'

In a first, the government of Delhi on Monday launched its pilot project of creating the national capital's first 'zero fatality corridor'. Transport minister Kailash Gahlot told media personnel that the capital city witnessed over 1,600 road crash fatalities in 2018 and this project is aimed at curbing that number.

A 3km stretch between Bhalswa chowk and Burari chowk has been chosen as a case study in this regard. This stretch of the road will be observed for scientific assessment of accidents, road engineering, road-user engagement, reported Hindustan Times.

In addition, experts will also ensure that safety and security measures such as police enforcement and rapid emergency care are made available on this stretch.
Going by reports, this particular stretch may have been chosen for the reason that as many as 67 fatal road accidents occurred on this road over a span of two years starting 2016. The stretch from Burari chowk and Bhalswa chowk has four blackspots namely Burari chowk, Bhalswa chowk, Mukundpur chowk, and Jahangirpuri bus stand.

Marking the opening of the 30th Road Safety Week of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government, the transport minister also unveiled an Annual Action Plan for 2019. This initiative is part of the Delhi government's plan to reduce fatalities due to road crashes by 30 per cent by 2020.

All concerned agencies including transport, health, education, public works department, and Delhi traffic police will work together to ensure that road fatalities in Delhi are reduced, said the transport minister.