UP, T'Nadu, Andhra record maximum number of deaths on highways

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh has the dubious distinction of maximum number of fatalities on its highways, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Basing his reply on the statistics for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways K H Muniyappa said Uttar Pradesh registered 5040 accident-related deaths on the National Highways in the state during 2005.

The figures for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra during the period were 3659, 3,284 and 3,193 respectively.

With regard to the total number of deaths on National Highways in the country, Mr Muniyappa said the figures were pegged at 35,439 in 2005, 34,723 in 2004 and 33,153 in 2003.

Also, National Highways in the country witnessed a total of 129994 accidents in 2005 while the figures stood at 130265 in 2004 and 127834 in 2003.

The minister pointed out that the safety of road users is primarily the responsibility of the state governments. However, several steps have also been taken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to enhance road safety.

The steps include introduction of a Highway Traffic Management System using intelligent transport system, enhancement of discipline among contractors during construction and road safety audit on selected stretches.

Another important component of road safety measures, Mr Muniyappa said, was 4/6-laning of National Highways from the existing two lanes being undertaken by the NHAI.

He said setting up of Model Driving Training Schools and tightening of safety standards of vehicles, besides providing refresher training to heavy motor vehicle drivers, were among the other measures to curb the accident rate on the highways.

UNI