The ministry of shipping, road transport & highways, taking cognisance of the growing number of road accidents and subsequent death tolls, has requested all the states to furnish proposals for providing retention walls, parapets, storm water drainage facilities and proper signage facilities in hilly roads to ensure safety. A total of 2,98,052 accidents were reported in 1998, compared with 2,90,415 in 1997. Also, it is planning to set up Road Safety Accident Fund for making reimbursement to the accredited hospitals and trauma care centres.
The move is a sequel to Minister of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, T R Baalu?s advice to the states to work on deficiencies like absence of retention wall on hill side, absence of parapet on valley side, lack of proper storm water drainage which should be constructed on the hill side and absence of proper signage.
Accordingly, the state governments have been advised to furnish the estimates within a period of one month. These proposals would be cleared on fast track by the ministry under the Central Road Fund Scheme in a major campaign to meet the safety requirements of hilly roads.
The Road Safety Accident Fund would ease providing of medical care and allay apprehensions regarding payment in respect of road accident victims in the golden hour. A common pool would be created in which various stakeholders, namely, insurance companies, motor companies, motor owners, road users, various road development and road maintenance agencies, such as National Highways Authority of India and the government would contribute. The General Insurance Company or any other designated company would be the Fund Manager for the pool.