The construction and maintenance of National Highways and expressways falls to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. NHAI plays a crucial role in developing and ensuring the upkeep of the country’s vital road infrastructure, focusing on maintaining National Highways and expressways to keep them free of potholes and in optimal condition.
NHAI not only handles the construction and maintenance but is also authorized to levy toll fees on National Highways and regulate vehicle movement to ensure smooth operations and development. It is actively involved in the global infrastructure landscape, offering consultancy and construction services both in India and internationally. Additionally, NHAI supports research and fosters innovations in highway planning, management, and maintenance. While NHAI manages the National Highways, state governments are in charge of constructing and maintaining State Highways and District Roads through their Public Works Departments (PWDs). These departments focus on the repair and upkeep of roads within their jurisdiction, contributing to the broader road network’s efficiency.
Despite these efforts, road safety remains a significant concern in India. Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed that India experienced over 4.80 lakh road accidents in 2023, leading to more than 1.72 lakh fatalities. This represents a 4.2% increase in accidents and a 2.6% rise in fatalities compared to the previous year. Gadkari also pointed out that a significant number of deaths occurred among minors and pedestrians, with common causes including failure to wear helmets or seat belts, overloaded vehicles, and driving without valid licenses. The ongoing rise in accidents and fatalities highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, public awareness, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to improve road safety across the country.
