Int'l body expresses concern over road safety after U'khand accident

An international body today expressed concern over the lack of "safety features" on roads in hilly areas in the country, after a bus fell into a 200-metre deep gorge in Uttarakhand's Pauri district killing at least 48 people.

The Geneva-based International Road Federation stressed on the need to install crash-barriers, tough driving license for hill drivers and stricter fitness norms for vehicles.

IRF chairman K K Kapila said in a statement that "a lot needs to be done" to ensure road safety and India "should plan to incorporate the latest technologies and safety features" such as rumble strips and proper signage boards.

Kapila said tough vehicle fitness norms should be adhered to for making road travel safe and sustainable on hills.

At least 48 people died and 11 injured when an overcrowded private bus fell into the gorge near Gween village in Pauri district of Uttarakhand.

Governor K K Paul and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat have expressed grief over the loss of lives. Rawat has ordered a magisterial probe into the accident.