Government Strengthens National Highway Maintenance and Traffic Management
The Government of India has prioritised the maintenance and repair (M&R) of National Highways (NHs), ensuring all sections are managed through accountable maintenance agencies.
Maintenance Responsibilities Under Different Models Concessionaire Responsibility: NH stretches under Operation, Maintenance and Transfer (OMT) Concessions, O&M Contracts, Toll Operate and Transfer (TOT), and Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) models are maintained by the respective Concessionaires till the end of their Defect Liability Period (DLP) or Concession Period.
Government Maintenance Strategy: All remaining NH stretches are maintained through Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMCs) or Short-Term Maintenance Contracts (STMCs).
Traffic Management & Road Safety Initiatives Motor Vehicles Act Amendments: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced stricter traffic enforcement mechanisms. In August 2021, rules were published for ElectronicMonitoring and Enforcement of Road Safety in high-risk corridors on NHs, State Highways, and urban centres under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS): Installed on four-lane and above NHs, ATMS enhances highway monitoring and incident response time through electronic enforcement devices. All-Weather NH Connectivity: Hilly and remote areas receive dedicated weather and landslide warning systems, tunnels, and viaducts to ensure seamless traffic movement.
Landslide & Hill Stability Measures: The government has set standardised protocols for hill slope stability assessments and introduced bio-engineering solutions such as coir/jute mat hydroseeding, bamboo piling, and erosion control plantations. Where necessary, tunnels are also constructed for safer transit. Massive NH Development Projects Underway: Currently, 1,310 NH projects spanning 31,187 km are under construction with a total investment of ?8.11 lakh crore, in synergy with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP).
Road Safety & Black Spot Rectification Black Spot Rectification: Out of 13,795 black spots identified on NHs up to 2021-22: 11,515 black spots have undergone short-term rectification. 5,036 black spots have received permanent rectification.
Multi-Pronged Strategy for Road Safety: Focuses on Education, Engineering (roads & vehicles), Enforcement, and Emergency Care. Toll charges are collected at user fee plazas as per the National Highways Fee Rules, ensuring uniformity across vehicle categories nationwide.
This information was provided by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha
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