Road Safety Overhaul: India To Introduce Exclusive Lanes For Two-Wheelers With Rs 14,000 Crore Investment

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) is developing a plan to build dedicated lanes for two-wheelers on state highways and urban roads, along with pedestrian foot-over bridges (FOBs) or underpasses on major urban arterial roads.

This initiative aims to address the high number of road crashes in India, primarily attributed to non-segregation of traffic.

The program is conceptualised as a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) with an estimated expenditure of Rs 14,000 crore. The funding will be shared between the central government (Rs 9,948 crore) and the states and union territories (Rs 4,053 crore).

The proposed scheme aims for a 70 per cent reduction in accidents and fatalities per 10,000 vehicles and a 50 per cent reduction per 10,000 km of road length. Additionally, it seeks to enhance institutional capabilities, policy frameworks, and financial structures, with precise and measurable implementation.

Government statistics reveal that nearly 44 per cent of road crashes and fatalities in India involve two-wheelers, while around 17 per cent of crashes and 19 per cent of fatalities involve pedestrians. Pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders are categorised as vulnerable road users (VRUs), accounting for over half of the road fatalities, as per a Times Of India report.

The ministry has circulated a consultation paper titled 'SAFE,' focusing on strategies to reduce road crashes and fatalities, especially among VRUs. Inspired by Malaysia's development of dedicated corridors for two-wheelers along highways, the ministry's proposal includes several key interventions.

The scheme will adopt a three-fold approach: mandatory initiatives with phased targets, target-linked initiatives with incentives based on performance, and an annual state road safety ranking. The mandatory road safety interventions will be tracked annually, and states and UTs will be ranked on their success in reducing road crashes, fatalities, and injuries, promoting best practices and accountability.

This comprehensive approach aims to significantly enhance road safety and reduce the high incidence of road crashes and fatalities in India.