Patna: The state govt has launched a statewide initiative to enhance pedestrian safety by constructing zebra crossings at nearly 14,000 newly identified locations. Development commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh has set an April 30 deadline for the road construction department and related agencies to complete installation and painting of the crossings at the designated sites.The project follows a comprehensive identification exercise led by the transport department and the Bihar Road Safety Council, which gathered proposals from multiple agencies. The rural works department proposed the highest number of sites at 12,858, followed by the road construction department with 342 locations and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with 88. In addition to the new proposals, around 9,500 zebra crossings have already been painted in earlier phases.The decisions were finalised during a high-level review meeting chaired by the development commissioner, where officials assessed progress on zebra crossing construction and reinforcement measures across Bihar. The selected locations include accident-prone stretches, school zones, hospital areas, busy markets, and major intersections with heavy traffic.Authorities emphasised that clearly visible, standard-compliant zebra crossings significantly reduce road accidents by providing safe pedestrian passage and reminding drivers to slow down and yield at designated points.The transport department reiterated that pedestrians hold the primary right of way on roads. “Creating a safe, disciplined, and well-organised traffic environment remains one of the state government’s top priorities. Special focus is being placed on protecting vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and schoolchildren,” a press statement issued by the department on Wednesday said.All departments concerned have been directed to submit weekly progress reports on the status of zebra crossing painting. District magistrates have also been instructed to include regular reviews of these works in their district road safety committee meetings, with emphasis on maintaining quality and timely execution.According to the NCRB report Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2023, Bihar recorded the second-highest number of pedestrian fatalities, with 3,462 deaths and 1,657 injuries. In Patna alone, 67 pedestrians were killed and 64 injured in road accidents in 2023.
