Union minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, has called for a dedicated road safety cell in Delhi PWD focusing on engineering features to enhance safety on roads, especially at identified black spots.

Gadkari’s call comes after four months in the context of a report prepared by the India Chapter of International Road Federation in which they have proposed certain simple engineering and traffic management improvements at moderate investments at 10 major black spots in Delhi. The black spots include Sarai Kale Khan, Mori Gate, Nigam Bodh Ghat, Mukhandpur Chowk, Dr Bhabha Marg Crossing, Punjabi Bagh Chowk, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Mahipalpur Flyover, Shani Mandir and Shahdara flyover. These spots have together recorded 245 accidents last year, in which 203 persons were injured while 84 lost their lives. In its report, IRF has suggested features like footpaths, traffic islands, channelisation of traffic, signalization and provision of road signs & pavement markings to make the spots safer for traffic.

In a letter to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Gadkari urged him to get the report of IRF examined and send relevant proposals to the Road Transport & highways Ministry for financing. He has further mentioned that the ministry will soon launch a national initiative to remove black spots and proposals from Delhi can be accommodated therein. 

It may be reiterated that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is committed to reducing fatalities due to road accidents to 50 percent by 2020. As part of the efforts, 789 black spots have been identified across the country which recorded repeated accidents/fatalities and steps are being taken to rectify engineering defects at such spots at a cost of Rs 11,000 crore. 

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