STRENGTHENING ROUTE PATROLLING OPERATIONS ALONG INDIAN HIGHWAYS FOR ACHIEVING SAFER ROAD OPERATIONS

摘要

With more than 1.5 lakh lives claimed on National Highways (NHs) in road accidents in 2018, Emergency Response i.e.-Incident Detection, Incident Handling and Emergency care becomes essential aspects of safe and efficient Highway Operations and Maintenance (O&M). Large variations in the quality of service and standards of ambulance and patrol vehicles deployed across various concessions/contracts have been observed primarily because of different contract requirements and non-availability of uniform policy across the country. In past few years, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has taken up various initiatives for strengthening Incident Management System (IMS) along Indian National Highways. On 20th March 2018, NHAI has notified policy guidelines on specification and standards for ambulance and patrol vehicle to be provided on NHs. The policy guidelines are aimed to strengthen and achieve uniformity in Incident Management Services across NHs. These guidelines cover various aspects such as vehicle design, communication and tracking equipment, general surveillance equipment and medical equipment. Additionally, the guidelines also mention about inventory of equipment that incident handling vehicles shall carry. While this is a remarkable step towards strengthening and achieving uniformity across the country, however, for improved benefits, a few clauses in the policy guideline might require further attention or needs re-examination. In this article, we, as Road Safety Auditors/Engineers, having first-hand experience in Road Safety & Highway Operations on National and State Highways, have provided our observations/concerns highlighting some recommendations on the NHAI Policy Guidelines related to Patrol Vehicle (PV).In addition to observations/concerns on the Policy Guidelines, general recommendations have been provided for enhancing Incident Management System across the country. These recommendations are based on our experiences of conducting Highway O&M Inspection Studies on Indian Highways, challenges faced by road users, route patrolling officers (ground staff) and review of international best practices in incident management. The suggested recommendations, if implemented, will be effective in achieving the anticipated benefits of improving Incident detection and handling practices across the country.