Despite a 6.48 percent decline in road accidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, the State Government has decided to further strengthen road safety and reduce road accidents. It has approved the implementation of the road safety audit policy for roads under the Public Works department to ensure that road safety becomes an integral part of the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of roads across the State.
Road safety has emerged as a major public concern, particularly in a hilly state like Himachal Pradesh, where difficult terrain, sharp curves and adverse weather conditions often pose greater risks to road users. Recognizing the need for a systematic approach to identify and address safety deficiencies, the State Government has adopted a comprehensive Road Safety Audit framework in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations of the Indian Road Congress. The policy aims to improve road infrastructure, minimize accident risks and create a safer road network for all users.
The policy provides for road safety audits at five critical stages of a road project. These include the feasibility or preliminary design stage, the detailed project report stage, the construction stage, the pre-opening stage and the audit of existing roads. At the feasibility stage, auditors will examine route selection, alignment, intersections, cross-sections and connectivity with the existing road network. During the detailed design stage, aspects such as geometric design, road signs, pavement markings, lighting arrangements, provisions for vulnerable road users and roadside safety features will be scrutinized. Audits during construction will focus on work-zone safety, traffic management plans, worker protection measures and compliance with earlier audit recommendations. The pre-opening audit will involve a detailed inspection of the completed road, including day and night assessments, before it is opened to traffic. Existing roads will also be periodically audited to identify emerging hazards and safety deficiencies requiring immediate attention.
The policy mandates that road safety audits shall be conducted either by Indian Road Congress certified road safety auditors or by departmental officers and officials who have successfully completed a 15-day audit certification programme and possess at least ten years of experience in hill road construction. Importantly, auditors must be independent and should not be directly associated with the execution, construction or operation of the project under review.
To strengthen institutional mechanisms, a dedicated road safety cell will be established at the HPPWD headquarters. The cell will oversee implementation of the road safety audit programme, monitor progress, empanel qualified auditors, review compliance reports and facilitate training and awareness programmes for engineers and other stakeholders. The policy also provides for quarterly monitoring of the programme by the Engineer-in-Chief, HPPWD, to assess its effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement.
In a significant provision, the government has mandated that all road projects costing more than rupees one crore will include a dedicated provision amounting to one percent of the project cost for conducting road safety audits. The policy further requires adherence to various Indian Road Congress codes and manuals relating to road signs, markings, traffic calming measures, work-zone management, pedestrian facilities, cycle tracks, hill roads, safety barriers, intersections and geometric design standards. This will help ensure that roads constructed in Himachal Pradesh meet the highest safety standards and provide safer travel conditions for all road users.
The Chief Minister said “The State Government is committed to make the State’s road network safer, more efficient and more resilient. Every road project must prioritize human life and safety and the road safety audit policy would help in identifying risks at every stage of development and ensure timely corrective measures. Safer roads not only prevent accidents and save lives but also contribute to economic growth and improved connectivity across the State”.
The Chief Minister further said that the Government is adopting a proactive and scientific approach towards road safety by institutionalizing independent audits and strengthening accountability at all levels. He reiterated that protecting human life remains the highest priority of the state government and every possible effort would be made to ensure safe and sustainable road infrastructure in the State.
The concerted efforts of the present state government towards road safety and traffic management have resulted in a significant reduction in road accidents and fatalities in the State. Compared to the year 2023, road accidents in Himachal Pradesh have decreased by 6.48 percent. A total of 2107 accidents were reported in the year 2024 as against 2253 in the year 2023. Fatalities also saw a notable decline, with 806 lives lost in the year 2024 compared to 892 in the year 2023. Additionally, the number of injuries also dropped from 3449 in the year 2023 to 3290 in the year 2024.
Author: Public Updates 24
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