CHENNAI: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has identified 78 black spot (accident zones) locations on National Highways (NHs) across Tamil Nadu. Of that figure, 63 locations have been deemed as requiring permanent remedial measures, to reduce instances of accidents.This assumes significance as the State leads the nation-wide chart in terms of accidents taking place on NHs.
According to the transport research wing, functioning under MoRTH, the State recorded 21,902 accidents on NHs during 2015, with 5,752 fatalities.
Senior National Authority of India (NHAI) officials told Express that NHs passing through the districts of Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur and Villupuram account for the majority of accidents. Two NHs, especially NH32 (Chennai-Nagapattinam) and NH48 (Chennai-Bengaluru) have seen several accidents down the years, they added.
A recently submitted report by an expert team to the ministry had suggested a two-pronged strategy. “We have already made temporary arrangements, like putting up warning boards, at these locations but we are now working on permanent measures,” a officer, on condition of anonymity, said. Permanent remedial measures include construction of flyovers, grade separators, underpasses and service roads.
Significantly, the topic was brought up during a review meeting held by the Minister of State (Road Transport, Highways and Shipping) Pon Radhakrishnan in Chennai on July 14. He had asked the officials to take early action for implementation of the permanent remedial measures at these locations.
The officer said approval for permanent measures costing around `70 crore has already been given for 7 locations, while an estimate is being done for the balance work. The NHAI hopes to start work on permanent measures at all identified locations before the end of the current financial year.