World Bank launches its first road safety project in South Asia

Tags: International News

The World Bank (WB) launched its first dedicated road safety project in South Asia with a USD 358 million financing agreement signed in Dhaka with the government of Bangladesh on 14th June. 

An overview of the news

• The project seeks to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and injuries from road crashes in selected cities, high-risk highways, and district roads

Implementation on National Highways

• The project will focus on two national highways in Bangladesh: Gazipur-Elenga (N4) and Natore-Nawabganj (N6). 

• These highways will serve as the primary sites for implementing various road safety measures. 

• The aim is to achieve a substantial reduction of over 30 percent in road traffic deaths on these two highways.

Infrastructure Enhancements

• To enhance road safety and reduce accidents and fatalities, the project will include the construction of essential infrastructure elements along the Gazipur-Elenga and Natore-Nawabganj highways. 

• These improvements will encompass the installation of road signs, dividers, footpaths, zebra crossings, speed breakers, and bus bays. 

• By implementing these measures, the project aims to create safer road environments in the five divisions of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

Emergency Services and Trauma Care

• The project will introduce innovative emergency services, including the use of bike-ambulances equipped with a toll-free number. 

• These services will ensure swift transportation of road crash victims to hospitals, improving their chances of receiving timely medical attention. 

• Additionally, trauma care facilities in selected district hospitals and Upazila Health Complexes will be upgraded to enhance the quality of care provided to accident victims.

Speed Control Measures and Institutional Strengthening

• To regulate speed and curb reckless driving, the project will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems along the roads and develop an electric messaging system. 

• It will also allocate resources for patrol vehicles and crash site cleaning equipment. 

• Furthermore, the project aims to support the Bangladeshi government in strengthening its institutions to effectively manage road safety across the country.