Centre sets up National Road Safety Board: Members, functions, other key things to know

The central government has established a dedicated body to promote road safety in the country. The National Road Safety Board will include six members holding the ranks of at least transport commissioner or additional director general of police (traffic management) in state or UT governments, two members holding the positions of at least additional director general (Road Transport and Highways Ministry), and two members representing highways authority NHAI, according to an official notification.

Additionally, the road safety board will have a minimum of five and a maximum of seven members "being persons of ability, integrity and standing, having special knowledge of, or experience in, road safety, law, civil society engagement, traffic management and regulation, automobile engineering or public administration". These members will be appointed by the central government, in addition to the 11 main members.

NRSB's chairman will be appointed for three years, with reappointment for one term of two years.

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

The board will have at least Transport Commissioner-level officers as members for each of the following zones:

• Northern
• Central
• Eastern
• North-Eastern
• Western
• Southern

A secretariat will be established for the board to perform tasks like organising board meetings, maintaining records, and coordinating with stakeholders including governments and agencies.

Working groups

NRSB will establish one or more working groups to advise it in the performance of its functions. These groups will comprise independent technical and professional experts.

Over the years, the government has adopted a comprehensive, four-pronged strategy to promote road safety, built around the 4Es: Education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency care. At the central level, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry oversees the construction and maintenance of National Highways, while states handle their respective road networks.

ALSO READ: NHAI to display monthly, annual pass details at toll plazas

Road safety has been made an integral part of every National Highway project, with mandatory safety audits at every stage -- from design and construction to operation and maintenance -- conducted by third-party experts.

The government also runs awareness campaigns, funds model driving training institutes, and vehicle inspection and certification centres through Central Sector Schemes, with dedicated financial support released to states and Union Territories.