The road transport ministry has ordered state government and concerned authorities like NHAI, state PWDs and BRO to remove all speed breakers from national highways which not only posses potential threat on the high-speed corridors but also hamper the smooth movement of vehicular traffic.
The ministry has sought details of action taken by next Wednesday. It has also asked for details of rumble strips that have been laid with approval. According to the Road Accident Report (2014), published by the ministry, 4,726 lives were lost in crashes due to humps while 6,672 people died in accidents caused due to potholes and speed breakers.
In recent circular ministry said, at many places, local authorities are constructing road bumps or speed breakers to check vehicular speed despite guidelines being in place.
“This is undesirable, as the function of national highways is to facilitate movement of traffic. Speed breakers can be a source of serious hazards and accidents to the fast-moving traffic.”
In its earlier circulars the ministry had mentioned that the recommendations provide for properly designed rumple strips at locations such as level crossings and sharp curves. It was later identified by the ministry that such rumble strips were being randomly supplied. It further went on to add that the location of such measures should be approved by the highway agencies. It also said the agencies should explore the possibility of providing foot over-bridges or pedestrian underpasses on national highways to prevent pedestrians from coming over.
International Road Federation chairman K K Kapila agreed there should be no speed-breakers on highways, but said these come up as highways pass through villages and people need to cross over to the other side. “We need to provide pedestrian and vehicular crossings to end this menace.”
