The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is an autonomous agency of the Indian Government tasked with the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways and expressways in the country, along with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The NHAI is responsible for ensuring that National Highways and expressways remain pothole-free. However, State Highways and District Roads are constructed and maintained by state governments, with their Public Works Departments (PWDs) tasked with the repair and upkeep of these roads.
NHAI plays a crucial role beyond managing and developing the country’s highway system. It is authorised to levy fees on National Highways and regulate vehicle movement, ensuring efficient management and development of the road network.
Additionally, NHAI offers consultancy and construction services both domestically and internationally, positioning itself as a key player in global infrastructure development. The authority actively supports research activities related to highway planning, development, maintenance, and management, fostering innovative solutions.
NHAI is responsible for the maintenance and development of National Highways, ensuring the longevity and continuous improvement of India’s vital road network. It also advises the Union Government on highway-related matters and collaborates with state governments to support and implement highway development schemes, strengthening the overall infrastructure.
India continues to top road accidents fatalities globally
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday announced that India witnessed over 4.80 lakh road accidents in 2023, resulting in more than 1.72 lakh fatalities. This marks a 4.2% increase in accidents and a 2.6% rise in fatalities compared to the previous year, which saw over 4.61 lakh accidents and more than 1.68 lakh deaths.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is yet to release the official 2023 report on road crashes in India. Speaking at a road safety event in Lucknow, Gadkari also highlighted that approximately 10,000 of those killed in accidents were minors.
“In the areas outside schools and colleges, 35,000 accidents and 10,000 deaths took place. A total of 35,000 deaths are of pedestrians. A total of 54000 deaths happened due to not wearing helmets and 16000 deaths have occurred due to not wearing seat belts. A total of 12000 deaths have occurred due to overloaded vehicles.
Similarly Driving without a valid license accounted for around 34000 of the total crashes. The remaining deaths occur due to old vehicles, old technology like not being able to apply brakes etc.,” said Gadkari during the event.