{"id":11879,"date":"2026-07-23T14:25:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=11879"},"modified":"2026-07-23T14:25:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:25:10","slug":"himachal-to-implement-road-safety-audit-policy-mandatory-safety-audits-for-all-pwd-road-projects-above-rs-1-crore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=11879","title":{"rendered":"Himachal to Implement Road Safety Audit Policy; Mandatory Safety Audits for All PWD Road Projects Above Rs. 1 Crore."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Himachal to Implement Road Safety Audit Policy; Mandatory Safety Audits for All PWD Road Projects Above Rs. 1 Crore.<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shimla:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a major initiative to strengthen road safety and further reduce road accidents, the Himachal Pradesh Government has approved the implementation of a comprehensive Road Safety Audit Policy for all roads under the Public Works Department (HPPWD). The policy aims to make road safety an integral part of planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of roads across the state through a scientific and systematic approach.<\/p>\n

The decision comes at a time when Himachal Pradesh has already recorded a 6.48 percent decline in road accidents in 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this encouraging trend, the government has decided to institutionalize road safety measures to further minimize accidents and fatalities.<\/p>\n

Himachal Pradesh, with its difficult terrain, steep gradients, sharp curves and adverse weather conditions, faces unique challenges in ensuring safe road travel. Recognizing these risks, the government has adopted a comprehensive Road Safety Audit framework in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations of the Indian Road Congress (IRC). The policy seeks to improve road infrastructure, identify safety deficiencies at every stage of road development and create a safer transport network for all road users.<\/p>\n

Five-stage safety audit made mandatory<\/h4>\n

Under the new policy, road safety audits will be conducted at five critical stages of every road project.<\/p>\n

The first audit will be carried out during the feasibility or preliminary design stage, where experts will assess route selection, alignment, intersections, cross-sections and integration with the existing road network.<\/p>\n

The second audit will take place at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, focusing on geometric design, road signs, pavement markings, lighting, provisions for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, as well as roadside safety measures.<\/p>\n

During the construction stage, auditors will review work-zone safety, traffic management arrangements, worker protection measures and compliance with recommendations made in previous audit stages.<\/p>\n

A pre-opening audit will be conducted after the completion of construction. This will include both daytime and nighttime inspections before the road is opened for public use.<\/p>\n

The fifth component involves the periodic safety audit of existing roads to identify emerging hazards and recommend corrective measures for improving safety.<\/p>\n

Independent certified auditors to conduct inspections<\/h4>\n

The policy mandates that road safety audits will be conducted either by Indian Road Congress-certified Road Safety Auditors or by departmental officers who have successfully completed a 15-day Road Safety Audit Certification Programme and possess a minimum of 10 years of experience in hill road construction.<\/p>\n

To ensure transparency and impartiality, auditors will remain completely independent and will not be directly associated with the planning, execution, construction or operation of the projects being audited.<\/p>\n

Dedicated Road Safety Cell to oversee implementation<\/h4>\n

To strengthen institutional mechanisms, the government will establish a dedicated Road Safety Cell at the HPPWD headquarters.<\/p>\n

The cell will supervise implementation of the Road Safety Audit Programme, monitor progress, empanel qualified auditors, review compliance reports and organize training and awareness programmes for engineers and other stakeholders. The policy also provides for quarterly monitoring of the programme by the Engineer-in-Chief, HPPWD, to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure continuous improvements.<\/p>\n

One percent project cost earmarked for safety audits<\/h4>\n

In a significant financial provision, the government has made it mandatory that all road projects costing more than \u20b91 crore will earmark one percent of the total project cost specifically for conducting road safety audits.<\/p>\n

The policy also mandates strict adherence to various Indian Road Congress codes and manuals relating to road signs, pavement markings, traffic calming measures, work-zone management, pedestrian facilities, cycle tracks, hill roads, safety barriers, intersections and geometric design standards. This is expected to ensure that roads built across Himachal Pradesh meet high safety standards and provide safer travel conditions for motorists, pedestrians and other road users.<\/p>\n

Government committed to safer roads<\/h4>\n

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is committed to making Himachal Pradesh’s road network safer, more efficient and resilient.<\/p>\n

He said every road project must prioritize human life and safety, adding that the Road Safety Audit Policy would help identify risks at every stage of project development and facilitate timely corrective measures. He said safer roads not only reduce accidents and save lives but also contribute to economic growth and improved connectivity across the state.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister further said the government is adopting a proactive and scientific approach towards road safety by institutionalizing independent audits and strengthening accountability at every level. He reiterated that protecting human life remains the highest priority of the government and assured that every possible effort would be made to create safe and sustainable road infrastructure in the state.<\/p>\n

Road accidents, fatalities and injuries decline in 2024<\/h4>\n

The government’s sustained efforts towards road safety and traffic management have already shown encouraging results. According to official figures, road accidents in Himachal Pradesh declined by 6.48 percent in 2024 compared to 2023.<\/p>\n

A total of 2,107 road accidents were reported in 2024 against 2,253 accidents in 2023.<\/p>\n

Road fatalities also witnessed a significant reduction, with 806 deaths recorded in 2024 compared to 892 deaths in 2023.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the number of people injured in road accidents decreased from 3,449 in 2023 to 3,290 in 2024, reflecting the positive impact of the government’s road safety initiatives and traffic management measures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Himachal to Implement Road Safety Audit Policy; Mandatory Safety Audits for All PWD Road Projects Above Rs. 1 Crore.   Shimla:   In a major […]<\/p>\n

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