Patna: In a major initiative aimed at improving road safety in rural areas, the Bihar government has decided to implement modern safety standards on village roads across the state. The move is expected to benefit more than 11 crore people living in rural Bihar by providing safer roads similar to those found in urban areas.
The Transport Department and the Rural Works Department have jointly launched the initiative to enhance safety on paved rural roads. Under the plan, crash barriers, stop signs, zebra crossings and speed breakers are being installed near schools, colleges, health centres and local marketplaces located along village roads.
Officials said a total of 36,495 sensitive locations have been identified across the state where such safety measures are required. Work has already been completed at more than 26,000 of these sites.
As part of the next phase of the programme, nearly 50,000 zebra crossings will be constructed over the next two years. The initiative is being implemented in accordance with road safety guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Rural Works Department has also made it mandatory to incorporate road safety standards on all rural roads and bridges that have been constructed or are currently under construction across the state. The department is focusing particularly on the safety of pedestrians, including schoolchildren and elderly residents.
Officials said the initiative was prompted by alarming findings in a joint report prepared by the police and the Transport Department. According to the report, about 68 percent of road accident deaths in Bihar are caused by overspeeding. Around 60 percent of total accidents occur in rural areas, where roads are often narrow and lack proper safety signage.
Pedestrians and two-wheeler riders are among the most vulnerable road users. The report indicates that pedestrians account for about 31 percent of accident victims, while two-wheeler riders account for around 27 percent. Other contributing factors include wrong-side driving, mobile phone use while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Officials believe that introducing urban-style road safety features in rural areas will significantly reduce accidents and improve traffic discipline. The absence of such infrastructure in the past had often led to hit-and-run incidents on village roads.
With the introduction of zebra crossings, crash barriers and other safety markers, authorities expect motorists to adopt safer driving practices, including lane discipline and speed control.
The infrastructure improvements are also expected to help drivers navigate better during night-time and in dense fog conditions. Officials say these measures will make it safer for residents to cross roads near schools, markets and public institutions, while also strengthening overall road safety in rural Bihar.
