NEW DELHI: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon deploy an ambulance, a highway patrol vehicle and one crane at every 50 km across the NH network managed by the authority. After successful demonstration, this would be extended to all national highways including the ones managed by state public works departments. This will be our next big initiative after launching the wayside amenities for commuters," NHAI chairman Deepak Kumar said.Though the entire NH network has only 2% share of the country's total road network, 35% of total deaths in road crashes happened on these corridors. "The health ministry will issue direction to the trauma care centres close to the highways to attend any injured person transported through our ambulances. The patrol vehicles will also be plying to detect any incident and take necessary measure," said an NHAI official.Sources said the ambulances and patrol vehicles deployed by private contractors on tolled stretches are not well-equipped and more of an eyewash.

Source: Times of India August 07, 2017 17:37 UTC