Patna: In a significant move to enhance pedestrian safety, the Bihar government has announced the construction of 14,000 new zebra crossings across the state by April 30, 2026. The initiative, directed by Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, aims to provide safe and visible crossing points for pedestrians in high-traffic areas.
Clear Directives for Quality Construction
Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh has instructed all relevant departments and authorities to ensure the construction of high-quality and easily visible zebra crossings within the stipulated deadline. Officials have been directed to submit weekly progress reports on the construction and painting of the crossings.
Additionally, district officials are required to review the progress in District Road Safety Committee meetings regularly and ensure the quality and timely completion of the work.
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Focus on High-Risk Areas
The Bihar Road Safety Council, under the Transport Department, had previously requested a list of sites for zebra crossing construction from various departments. The crossings will be built in accident-prone areas, school zones, hospital vicinities, markets, and major traffic intersections to prioritize pedestrian safety.
According to the plan:
- Pavement Construction Department will construct 342 crossings
- Rural Works Department will handle 12,858 crossings
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will construct 88 crossings
The state already has approximately 9,500 existing zebra crossings, and this project will significantly expand safe pedestrian pathways.
Prioritizing Pedestrians and Vulnerable Groups
The Transport Department has emphasized that pedestrians have the first right of way on roads. The initiative particularly focuses on school children, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals, ensuring their safe passage across busy streets.
Zebra crossings will not only provide pedestrians with safe crossing points but also encourage drivers to stop at designated areas and comply with traffic rules, thereby improving overall road safety.
Weekly Monitoring and Accountability
To ensure the project’s timely completion and quality, all officials involved are required to report progress weekly. District authorities are also tasked with closely monitoring implementation in District Road Safety Committee meetings. The government aims to reduce traffic accidents while creating a safe and pedestrian-friendly road environment across Bihar.
Impact on Bihar’s Road Safety
The new zebra crossings are expected to:
- Provide safe crossing points for pedestrians in high-traffic zones
- Encourage traffic rule compliance among motorists
- Protect vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and disabled people
- Reduce road accidents and fatalities in urban and rural areas
With the construction of these crossings, Bihar is taking a major step toward modernizing road infrastructure and enhancing pedestrian safety statewide.
