Mumbai, May 17 (PTI) The government is re-thinking on six-laning of highways as number of accidents on such roads is increasing by the day, and instead develop four-lanes and two-services lanes. "Accidents on the highways are increasing. The government is now re-thinking on its six-laning of highways and instead are looking at constructing four lanes and two service lanes to enable people to cross roads safely," Union road transport and highways ministry director, road safety, Rajeev Lochan told reporters on the sidelines of an event here today. According to statistics, every year 1.2 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents. Out of this, almost 25 percent accidents take place on the state highways and about 28 percent on the national highways. Further, the number of serious injuries in road accidents is around 16 times more than the road fatalities whereas they are recorded only four times. He further said the government was also collaborating with the National Informatic Centre (NIC) for developing a software whereby information of accidents can be received immediately and emergency rescue measure can be put into service. "We plan to set up a national server, which will be similar to a call centre, so in case of emergencies, one can call on the numbers provided on the highway and immediate rescue measures can be provided," he said. Lochan further said the government is also forging partnerships with universities, colleges and schools to spread awareness about road safety. PTI PSK BEN ABC
