As many as 701 of the 1,278 accident-prone ‘black spots’ identified on National Highways (NHs) in Karnataka have been rectified using long-term measures, according to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
With 1,278 black spots, Karnataka ranks sixth among the states with the highest number of accident-prone spots on national highways in the country. Only Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab and West Bengal reported a higher number of such places, according to state data compiled by the ministry.
Officials explained that black spots are identified based on a defined threshold of fatal or serious injury accidents using accident reports submitted by state governments. “These places are marked after analyzing the frequency and severity of accidents over a period,” the official said.
While more than half of the identified black spots in Karnataka have been permanently resolved, 577 sites need to be remedied with long-term solutions, officials said. “In Karnataka, sustained efforts have resulted in permanent remediation of more than 700 black spots,” the official noted.
Corrective Actions
Backlog sites are currently being managed through short-term remedial measures, including improved road markings, installation of road markings, barriers, road bollards and dividers, closure of unauthorized medians and traffic calming measures. “These interventions are aimed at immediately reducing the risk of an accident until permanent technical solutions are put in place,” the official said.
Long-term remedial works usually include improving roadway geometry, intersection redesign, point widening of roadways, and construction of underpasses or overpasses. Officials pointed out that such work requires extensive engineering activities such as land acquisition, forest clearing and utility relocations, which often lead to delays. “These processes are time-consuming but necessary to ensure lasting safety results,” the official added.
Data-driven interventions
The ministry has strengthened data-driven interventions through the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) system, formerly known as the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD). According to officials, eDAR serves as a central repository for reporting, managing and analyzing traffic accident data across the country. “The platform enables authorities to identify accident-prone spots through analytics, track remedial measures, monitor compliance and ensure efficient processing of traffic accident claims,” the official added.
The Karnataka Transport Department has recently implemented the center’s eDAR system in the state.
Published – 14 Feb 2026 20:45 IST