Maharashtra Sets Road Safety Plans After Supreme Court Flags 15,000 Fatal Accidents

Maharashtra is taking strong steps to reduce road accidents after the Supreme Court (SC) highlighted 15,000 fatal traffic accidents in the state. The state government has now created a plan involving several departments to lower accidents by 35% in the next five years. 

A committee led by the Supreme Court will monitor the progress. The government is focusing on pedestrians and two-wheelers because they are involved in 70% of accidents. Measures include monitoring reckless two-wheeler riders and keeping footpaths free from encroachments.

According to a 2023 report from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Maharashtra accounts for 10% of all road accident deaths in India. Mumbai is among the top 50 cities with the highest fatalities. Data from the state transport department shows fatal accidents have risen over the past three years, with only a small decrease of 0.4% between January and September this year.

The road safety plan is being implemented by five departments: public health, school education, public works, urban development, and transportation. 

* The transport department will lead the plan. 

* The Public Works Department (PWD) will be responsible for improving road layouts and ensuring pedestrian safety. 

* The Urban Development Department (UDD) will inspect walkways and crowded areas like bus stops, train stations, markets, and schools. Authorities will identify 15–20 high-risk locations for accidents.

* The school education department will run road safety campaigns in schools and colleges.

The plan targets roads, walkways, pavements, and pedestrian crossings, following Indian Road Congress guidelines. Contractors and road construction companies will be held responsible for poor road designs.

Municipal corporations are required to implement road safety measures and set aside 1% of their annual budgets. Companies and landowners must establish grievance systems to address issues like damaged walkways or missing pedestrian crossings. Civic bodies have authority to act quickly against encroachments on walkways.

Corporations have been instructed to identify problems with walkway height, width, and surface and fix them. Crossroads and pedestrian crossings will be reviewed, and hawkers removed from trouble spots. Frequent GIS mapping and camera installations at key locations will help protect pedestrians.

Traffic officials have already been instructed to ensure seat belts for all car passengers and helmets for bikers and pillion riders. A 2023 report shows bikers made up nearly 45% of drivers who died in accidents, with 70% not wearing helmets.

District collectors will activate District Road Safety Committees to put safety measures into practice. The state government aims to reduce road accidents by 35% over the next five years through these measures.

Higher authorities will monitor the system regularly. The State Road Safety Council is in charge of implementing the entire plan. Draft regulations for pedestrian safety and road safety will be completed soon, with corresponding departments following through.