The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in India. Certain sections of NHs, identified as accident-prone zones or black spots, are classified based on the frequency of fatal and grievous injury accidents. To address these safety concerns, the government has implemented both short-term and long-term measures. Short-term interventions on these black spots include road markings, installation of signages, crash barriers, road studs, delineators, closure of unauthorized median openings, and traffic calming measures. Meanwhile, long-term solutions involve road geometric improvements, junction modifications, carriageway widening, and the construction of underpasses and overpasses. These corrective actions are determined through site investigations to ensure permanent rectification. A total of 13,795 black spots have been identified on NHs, with short-term safety measures completed on 9,525 locations. Additionally, 4,777 black spots have undergone permanent rectification to improve road conditions and minimize accidents. All road infrastructure projects adhere to the standards, guidelines, and codes of practice set by the Indian Roads Congress and the specifications for Road and Bridge Works. Road safety measures are integrated at every stage, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. Regular safety audits are conducted at various phases, including project design, construction, and pre-opening, as well as for existing NHs. To ensure high-quality construction, strict quality control mechanisms have been implemented. These include comprehensive checks by Authority Engineers in EPC contracts, random quality inspections, and enforcement of contract provisions. Contractors and consultants are held accountable for any defects or failures, with penalties imposed where necessary. These measures collectively enhance road safety and infrastructure reliability across the National Highways network. News source: PIB