+
IRF asks MoRD to implement safer engineering on rural roads
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

IRF asks MoRD to implement safer engineering on rural roads

Road safety body International Road Federation (IRF) has sought safer engineering implementation on rural roads from the central government.

IRF expressed concern over safety and an increase in the number of deaths on rural roadways. In response, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has assured it that safety audits are being conducted at rural roads with more than 5 km in length. The MoRD informed the IRF that it has appointed auditors to conduct regular safety audits.

MoRD appointed auditors for regular road safety audits of rural roads having more than 5 km of length to monitor the quality and safety of the roads. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman and Secretary, Rural Development NN Sinha, while addressing a webinar on “Safer Roads for Safety of All Road Users” by the India chapter of IRF, revealed that:

The share of deaths on roads passing through rural areas has surged by more than 7% between 2014-2019, while the number of road accidents have decreased.

Sinha said around one lakh deaths were recorded in the year 2018 as compared to nearly 83,000 in 2014 on rural roads. While urban areas have a high concentration of vehicles, the number of deaths rising in rural areas is primarily attributed to the expansion of highways and construction of poorly designed rural roads with very few safety features, Sinha added.

The rural development secretary said apart from the safety audit, the ministry is also imparting awareness to school children and the rural population about road safety through audiovisual clips.

Currently, all roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are covered by the initial five year maintenance contract along with the construction contract, he added.

Image Source


Also read: Study says US roads more dangerous than those in India

Also read: Nitin Gadkari launches road safety data dashboard for Gurugram

Road safety body International Road Federation (IRF) has sought safer engineering implementation on rural roads from the central government. IRF expressed concern over safety and an increase in the number of deaths on rural roadways. In response, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has assured it that safety audits are being conducted at rural roads with more than 5 km in length. The MoRD informed the IRF that it has appointed auditors to conduct regular safety audits. MoRD appointed auditors for regular road safety audits of rural roads having more than 5 km of length to monitor the quality and safety of the roads. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman and Secretary, Rural Development NN Sinha, while addressing a webinar on “Safer Roads for Safety of All Road Users” by the India chapter of IRF, revealed that: The share of deaths on roads passing through rural areas has surged by more than 7% between 2014-2019, while the number of road accidents have decreased. Sinha said around one lakh deaths were recorded in the year 2018 as compared to nearly 83,000 in 2014 on rural roads. While urban areas have a high concentration of vehicles, the number of deaths rising in rural areas is primarily attributed to the expansion of highways and construction of poorly designed rural roads with very few safety features, Sinha added. The rural development secretary said apart from the safety audit, the ministry is also imparting awareness to school children and the rural population about road safety through audiovisual clips. Currently, all roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are covered by the initial five year maintenance contract along with the construction contract, he added. Image Source Also read: Study says US roads more dangerous than those in India Also read: Nitin Gadkari launches road safety data dashboard for Gurugram

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code