Road Safety

NHAI suspends toll collection on newly-opened Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday suspended toll collection on the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway until repairs to a damaged stretch are completed, and initiated disciplinary action against the concessionaire, the engineer and several officials over alleged lapses in project execution and supervision. The move follows widespread complaints about damaged portions and patchwork at various locations on the 63-km-long expressway within weeks of its inauguration on July 13. Several commuters took to social media platforms where they posted videos expressing concern over the construction quality of the multi-crore expressway, particularly those on the Unnao-Lucknow carriageway. Commuters were charged a one-way fee of Rs 275 for car/jeep/van. However, the annual pass was allowed on the toll. "Till complete rectification, toll has been suspended. No toll will be charged from commuters on this expressway. Recovery of the toll loss will be done from the concessionaire,"

From Oct 2028, new vehicles may be required to talk to each other

The Centre has proposed making vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems mandatory in new vehicles from October 2028 to enhance road safety and connected mobility

Govt issues draft notification for phased V2V communication systems

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed phased implementation of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems to facilitate timely warnings and strengthen the use of connected technologies to boost road safety. V2V communication enables nearby vehicles to exchange real-time information, including their speed, position, direction, acceleration, etc. This information can provide warnings to drivers or vehicle systems in safety-critical situations, including sudden braking, forward-collision risk, unsafe lane changes and the approach of emergency vehicles. MoRTH has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. "The 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band has been considered for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System applications," the draft notification said. The Department of Telecommunications, through G.S.R. 466 (E) dated 10 June 2026, has exempted the use of this frequency band from licensing ...

India sees first decline in highway deaths since Covid, data shows

Government data shows national highway deaths fell in 2025 for the first time since Covid, with 20 states and UTs recording a decline in fatalities

13 dead as falling boulders crush moving vehicle in Himachal's Lahaul-Spiti

Thirteen people, including a six-month-old infant, were killed while two others had a narrow escape after massive boulders from a nearby hill suddenly fell on a moving taxi on the Udaipur-Pangi road in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti on Friday, police said. Fifteen people were in the SUV, which was on its way from Kullu to Killar when large boulders suddenly crashed onto the vehicle near Kadu nallah, completely crushing it. Following the impact, the rear section of the vehicle caught fire. Bystanders and Army personnel attempted to extinguish the flames at the spot, about 70 km from district headquarters Keylong. Videos of the incident have also surfaced, showing the vehicle almost flattened and engulfed in fire. A team was dispatched to the site immediately after the police received information about the accident. Relief and rescue operations are underway, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation, police said. Apart from the infant, there were seven men and f

Low-cost road safety solutions needed urgently to curb accidents: Experts

Road safety experts on Friday highlighted the alarming state of road safety in the country and underscored the urgent need for practical, scalable and cost-effective solutions to prevent road accidents. They noted that India can significantly reduce road fatalities through affordable and evidence-based interventions in cities. Speaking at a conference organised by the India chapter of International Road Federation (IRF), IIT Delhi professor emeritus Geetam Tiwari said road markings to enhance night-time visibility can substantially improve road safety in cities. Implementation of international best practices can reduce crashes while improving mobility for all road users, Tiwari added. IRF president emeritus K K Kapila said most urban crashes occur due to everyday design deficiencies on ordinary roads operating at normal traffic speeds. "Low-cost engineering measures such as roundabouts, raised pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, improved street lighting and safer ...

Govt explores commercial vehicle driver rating index for skill assessment

The government is exploring a driver rating system and new EV trucking frameworks to improve logistics efficiency and road safety

SC issues pan-India road safety directions, flags risks on expressways

Observing that expressways must not become corridors of peril due to administrative lethargy or infrastructural gaps, the Supreme Court has issued a slew of pan-India guidelines for enhancing road safety, including a ban on parking of heavy vehicles on such roads. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar pointed out that national highways constitute two percent of India's total road length but account for nearly 30 percent of all road fatalities. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar issued directions to the Ministry of Road and Transport, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and States and Union Territories to make roads safer, observing that the loss of even a single life to avoidable hazards like illegal parking or blackspots etc., represents a failure of the State's protective umbrella. "The loss of even a single life to avoidable hazards like illegal parking or blackspots etc., represents a failure of the State's protective umbrella. The 'Right t

Himachal Pradesh unveils data-driven road drainage policy to boost safety

Himachal Pradesh will now design drainage structures using scientific hydrological data, including actual rainfall intensity and catchment characteristics, replacing reliance on standardised templates alone, according to a statement. This data-driven approach, introduced under the new Road Drainage Policy, aims to build more resilient roads and reduce annual monsoon-related damage. It also seeks to improve network resilience and enhance public safety and serviceability, a government spokesperson said on Saturday. Approval for the policy was granted during a cabinet meeting held on February 12, 2026. The policy is aimed at addressing the recurring damage inflicted on the state's roads due to heavy monsoon rains. In 2023 and 2025 alone, the state suffered estimated losses of nearly Rs 2,400 crore and Rs 3,000 crore, respectively, due to extensive road damage. Technical evaluations revealed that inadequate drainage systems, along with slope instability, were key factors behind the ...

After Delhi biker death, CM Gupta rolls out 8-point excavation safety plan

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued an eight-point safety framework to prevent Janakpuri-like accidents where a biker died after falling into a DJB dug pit, and sought a list of excavation sites in the city within three days. Taking a "very strong" view of the tragic accident reported in the Janakpuri area of west Delhi on Friday, the chief minister has ordered immediate, time-bound action across all departments and executing agencies to prevent any recurrence of such an incident, a Delhi CMO statement said. "Expressing deep concern over lapses in safety arrangements at excavation and digging sites, the chief minister has directed strict enforcement of safety norms and fixed clear accountability on officers and contractors," it said. The chief secretary, on the directions of the chief minister, has issued a memorandum listing an eight-point safety framework to be followed without exception at all construction, repair and maintenance works involving digging or excavation of .

Govt to roll out vehicle-to-vehicle communication to reduce crashes

Standards to come out this year

Experts urge India to create clear rules and SOPs for autonomous vehicles

Road safety experts on Monday stressed the need of the government framing a comprehensive regulatory framework and set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the testing, deployment and operation of autonomous vehicles (AV) to meet the phased target in the country's complex traffic conditions. Speaking at an event organised by the India chapter of International Road Federation (IRF), P Rajalakshmi, professor, Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) at IIT Hyderabad, said road safety remains a critical concern for autonomous technology becoming mainstream in India. Rajalakshmi said India's target for autonomous vehicles (AVs) involves a phased approach, aiming for widespread use of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control by 2030, followed by the introduction of Level 3 and 4 vehicles in specific urban areas and controlled routes by 2040. "As India embarks on a mission to lead in autonomous mobility by 2047, key .

Gurugram Police, Google Maps jointly launch real-time traffic alerts

Google Maps and Gurugram Police have jointly launched a real-time traffic alert system that will warn drivers in advance when approaching accident-prone or hazardous zones, police said on Saturday. The new digital navigation system is currently operational on 129 major roads. It will also display speed limits to encourage drivers to adhere to the prescribed speed regulations. DCP Traffic Rajesh Kumar Mohan said the initiative aims to reduce road accidents and raise awareness about traffic rules. "Accidents often occur when drivers exceed speed limits on busy roads. Lower speeds increase the chances of survival in case of an accident," DCP Mohan said. A senior police officer revealed that the system will be expanded to over 200 roads and major junctions by early next year, covering the entire city under the high-tech alert network. The police have identified the most accident-prone areas, and virtual warning markers will now appear on Google Maps at these locations to enhance drive

NHAI to deploy Network Survey Vehicles to analyse 21,000 km highways

Survey to collect data on road quality, defects, and upkeep using AI-based analysis; NHAI to identify deficiencies and plan proactive maintenance across 23 states

HC directs ₹6 lakh compensation for deaths due to potholes, unsafe roads

The Bombay High Court called for strict disciplinary action against officials, engineers or contractors responsible for defective road work; any pothole reported must be repaired within 48 hours

SC directs states, UTs to set rules for pedestrians, non-motorised vehicles

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all the states and Union Territories to frame road safety rules within six months by regulating the movement of non-motorised vehicles and pedestrians in public spaces. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan directed all the states and UTs to frame such rules under Sections 138 (1A) and 210D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. "We direct all the states and UTs to formulate rules under Section 138(1A) of the Motor Vehicles Act within a period of six months, if not already framed, for the purpose of regulating activities and access of non-mechanical propelled vehicles and pedestrians to public places and national highways. "We direct all the states and UTs to formulate and notify rules under Section 210D of the Act within a period of six months, if not already framed, for design, construction and maintenance of standards for roads other than national highways," the bench said. The directions came on a petition filed by Coimbatore-base

Datanomics: Delhi's deadly drives, overspeeding remains top cause

Road accidents touched the 81,144 mark in 2023, the highest in four years. Of these, Delhi and Bengaluru alone accounted for over 13 per cent

Govt issues draft SOP for road accident victims with disabilities

The Centre has proposed draft guidelines mandating disability-friendly ambulances, priority evacuation of injured persons, trained first responders, accessible public transport, and comprehensive rehabilitation plans for victims of road accidents who sustain disabilities. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), prepared by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), also integrates accident reporting databases with the Unique Disability ID (UDID) system to ensure real-time alerts and streamlined compensation claims. These draft guidelines for public consultation were issued last month. The draft has been formulated in compliance with the Supreme Court's 2014 directive entrusting the government to frame SOPs for road safety and post-trauma care. It lays down a framework for identification, immediate medical response, rehabilitation, and long-term social integration of persons with disabilities (PwDs) arising from road accidents. According to the SOP, all new

Road accidents up 4.2% in 2023; 172K lives lost despite safety push

The ministry released its 'Road Accidents in India 2023' report following a Supreme Court's direction after several delays.

AI to detect NH landslide and waterlogging soon, says Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari said AI will be used to detect landslides, waterlogging and accident-prone spots on highways, while highlighting logistics cost cuts and road safety initiatives