The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented a series of measures to improve visibility and enhance road safety on National Highways during the winter season, when dense fog often reduces visibility and increases the risk of accidents.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the mitigation steps have been broadly classified into two categories—engineering measures and safety awareness initiatives.
Under engineering measures, NHAI has undertaken the reinstallation of missing or damaged road signs and road studs, rectification of faded or inadequate pavement markings, and installation of reflective markers. Retro-reflective yellow stickers are being affixed on road safety devices such as metal beam crash barriers to improve night-time visibility. Additional safety provisions are being ensured on construction stretches, including proper barricading, diversion signage and the installation of solar blinkers at median openings.
To alert commuters about low-visibility conditions, NHAI has rolled out several safety awareness measures. These include the use of variable message signs and electronic signboards to display fog-related alerts and speed limits, public address systems in fog-prone areas, and public service announcements through electronic billboards, radio and social media platforms. Reflective tapes are also being promoted on vehicles to enhance their visibility during foggy conditions.
The authority has directed its field offices to conduct weekly night-time inspections of National Highway stretches to assess visibility and identify locations requiring additional safety provisions. Highway patrol vehicles equipped with blinking batons will be deployed near dense fog zones to guide traffic, while the use of reflective jackets by officials and workers engaged in highway-related activities has been made mandatory.
NHAI will also work in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, traffic police, ambulance services and municipal authorities to ensure prompt and effective emergency response during fog-related incidents. Joint drills with traffic police are planned to strengthen coordination during emergencies.
In addition, NHAI has delegated financial powers to its field officers for immediate rectification of accident-prone spots, allowing swift implementation of visibility-enhancing measures during foggy weather.
Advising commuters to exercise caution, NHAI has urged National Highway users to adhere to safe driving practices such as maintaining lane discipline, keeping a safe distance from vehicles ahead, driving at speeds of 30 kmph or below in dense fog, using head and tail lights appropriately, and avoiding parking on highways except at designated areas like truck lay-bys and wayside amenities.
