RoadSafety – Panel Urges Dedicated Highway Patrol to Reduce Fatal Accidents
RoadSafety – India’s growing number of fatal road accidents, particularly on national highways, has prompted a parliamentary panel to recommend the creation of a specialised highway patrol force. The proposed unit, tentatively called the National Highway Safety Patrol, is aimed at improving traffic discipline, ensuring faster accident response, and safeguarding highway infrastructure across the country.
Proposal for a Dedicated Highway Safety Force
The recommendation was made by a parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture, which stressed the urgent need for a focused institutional mechanism. Drawing inspiration from structured forces such as those protecting railway networks, the panel suggested that a similar approach could strengthen highway monitoring and enforcement.
According to the committee, a dedicated patrol force could initially be deployed on high-risk corridors and expressways where accident rates remain consistently high. Over time, this could expand into a nationwide system, ensuring better oversight of traffic behavior and infrastructure protection.
Rising Concerns Over Highway Fatalities
Recent data shared by the transport ministry highlights the scale of the problem. In 2024, India recorded approximately 4.73 lakh road accidents, resulting in around 1.70 lakh deaths. A significant share of these fatalities—over 52,600—occurred on national highways alone.
The committee observed that despite ongoing efforts, accident rates remain alarming, particularly on high-speed routes. It emphasized that improving enforcement and response mechanisms is critical to addressing this persistent challenge.
Limitations of Current Enforcement Systems
At present, highway safety largely depends on state police forces. However, the panel noted that these forces are often stretched thin due to their broader law enforcement responsibilities. This, it said, limits their ability to provide consistent and specialised attention to highway safety.
A dedicated highway patrol would not only fill this gap but also work alongside emerging digital systems such as the Intelligent Traffic Management System. This combined approach could enhance monitoring, ensure compliance with traffic rules, and reduce violations.
Focus on Speed Control and Discipline
Overspeeding continues to be one of the leading causes of road accidents in India. Government data indicates that a large proportion of crashes—over two-thirds in recent years—are linked to vehicles exceeding speed limits.
To tackle this issue, the committee has recommended the phased introduction of section control systems. These systems measure a vehicle’s average speed over a defined distance rather than relying solely on spot checks, making enforcement more effective on long stretches of highways.
In addition, stricter implementation of lane discipline on access-controlled corridors has been highlighted as a key step toward improving safety standards.
Technology as a Safety Enabler
The panel also emphasized the role of advanced technology in reducing accidents. It suggested prioritising vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems on accident-prone stretches such as major expressways.
These systems allow vehicles to share real-time information, including speed, direction, and braking status. Such data exchange can help drivers anticipate potential hazards and reduce the likelihood of collisions, especially in high-speed environments.
Strengthening Emergency Response
Another critical benefit of a dedicated patrol force would be improved accident response during the “golden hour,” the crucial period immediately following a crash. Faster intervention during this time can significantly increase the chances of saving lives.
By maintaining a constant presence on highways, the proposed force could ensure quicker medical assistance, better coordination with emergency services, and more efficient traffic management during incidents.
A Step Toward Safer Highways
The committee’s recommendations reflect a broader push toward strengthening road safety in India. With the highway network continuing to expand rapidly, the need for a focused and modern enforcement system has become increasingly evident.
If implemented effectively, the National Highway Safety Patrol could play a vital role in reducing accidents, protecting infrastructure, and making highways safer for millions of commuters.