Context:
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will release updated highway black spot data for 2023–2024, generated through the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) and Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) systems. This marks India’s first real-time accident mapping initiative.
Key Highlights:
Shift to Real-Time Digital Mapping:
• Black spot list for 2023–24 will be generated using e-DAR data.
• First instance of real-time accident mapping in India.
• Earlier, data was collected manually by MoRTH’s Transport Research Wing (TRW) through:
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State submissions
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Physical verification
• Manual system caused data delays (available only till 2022).
About Black Spots:
• A black spot is defined as a 500-metre stretch on a National Highway (NH) with a high accident incidence.
• Identified if, over 3 consecutive years, there are:
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5 or more accidents involving deaths or grievous injuries, OR
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10 or more fatalities.
National Data (2016–2022):
• 13,795 black spots identified nationwide.
• 5,036 black spots rectified through long-term engineering measures.
Technological Systems Used:
• e-DAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report):
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Digitally captures detailed accident reports.
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Enables faster insurance claim processing and policy intervention.
• iRAD (Integrated Road Accident Database):
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Centralised accident data management system.
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Helps in identifying accident patterns and vulnerable stretches.
Significance:
• Enables evidence-based policymaking.
• Faster identification of accident-prone stretches.
• Strengthens India’s road safety framework.
• Supports India’s commitment to reduce road fatalities under the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Black Spot Definition:
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500-metre NH stretch.
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5 accidents (death/grievous injury) OR 10 fatalities in 3 years.
• MoRTH: Ministry responsible for highways and road transport.
• e-DAR & iRAD:
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Digital accident data platforms.
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Facilitate real-time accident mapping and analytics.
• Data (2016–2022):
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13,795 black spots identified.
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5,036 rectified.
• Issue & Causes:
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Poor road engineering design.
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Over-speeding and traffic violations.
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Inadequate signage and lighting.
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Weak enforcement mechanisms.
• Benefits of Real-Time Mapping:
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Faster rectification.
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Improved enforcement.
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Reduced fatalities.
• Challenges:
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Data accuracy and integration issues.
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Coordination between Centre and States.
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Funding for corrective engineering measures.
Relevant Mains Points:
Road Safety as a Governance Issue:
• India records one of the highest road accident fatalities globally.
• Road safety linked to SDG 3.6 (halve global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents).
Institutional Framework:
• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 strengthens penalties.
• Role of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in rectification works.
• Integration of police, transport, and health data under iRAD.
Technological Governance:
• Digital governance through real-time databases enhances transparency.
• Enables predictive analytics for accident prevention.
Policy Gaps:
• Delayed identification due to manual processes earlier.
• Limited post-accident trauma care in rural areas.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen AI-based predictive modelling for accident prevention.
• Improve road engineering audits.
• Enhance emergency medical response systems.
• Promote road safety awareness and strict enforcement.
• Ensure timely rectification funding under Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS Paper II: Governance and digital public infrastructure.
• GS Paper III: Infrastructure, road safety, internal security logistics.
• Prelims: Black spot definition, MoRTH, e-DAR, iRAD, Motor Vehicles Act 2019.
• Essay: Road safety as a public health and governance priority.