Expressing concern over the number of road accidents, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that ₹11,000 crore was being earmarked in the next five years to fix black spots across the country. Blackspots are points in roads where most of the accidents happen.
Additionally, the Ministry is also putting in place a system where people can point out high accident areas.
To streamline the process of issuing driving licences, Gadkari said training schools were being opened and computers would be used to conduct driving tests.
He also appealed to people to wear seat belts and helmets and avoid using mobile phones while driving.
The Minister also said that airbags would be made compulsory in every car.
Announcing his resolve on road safety and bringing down road accidents by 50 per cent in the next five years, Gadkari said a Road Safety Authority would be constituted and the Road Transport and Safety Bill would be placed shortly before Parliament.
Asked about the government’s stance on the size of vehicles for automobile transportation, Gadkari said IIT Delhi had been asked to study the issue.