Over 37,000 Deaths on National Highways in 3 Years: 'Black Corridors' Identified
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has reported that 37,164 people were killed in road accidents on 6,358 identified 'black corridors' on National Highways over a three-year period from 2019 to 2021. These black corridors are stretches of road that have recorded a high number of accidents and fatalities, prompting the government to take corrective measures.
According to the data presented in Parliament, the highest number of deaths occurred in Uttar Pradesh (5,897), followed by Tamil Nadu (3,987) and Maharashtra (3,669). The ministry has identified these corridors based on accident data and is implementing engineering, enforcement, and awareness measures to reduce fatalities.
A 'black corridor' is defined as a 500-metre stretch where at least 10 road accidents occurred over three years, or five fatalities were recorded. The government has allocated funds for road safety audits, improved signage, and better lighting in these zones. Experts have also called for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and better driver training to address the issue.
