New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) Total 1,37,191 accidents occurred on national highways, including expressways, during the calendar year 2019, Parliament was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said 1,40,843 accidents had occurred on national highways (NHs), including expressways, in 2018.

Also Read | Redmi Note 10S 8GB RAM + 128GB Variant Launched in India.

The minister said about 3,400 km NHs have already been upgraded to six-lane or higher configuration.

He said up-gradation of 6,250 km of NHs to six-lane or higher configuration is under implementation.

Also Read | Weather Forecast: Punjab, Harayna, Delhi & West UP Likely to Receive Rainfall on December 5.

In addition, Gadkari said projects of about 1,870 km have been planned for upgradation from four-lane to six-lane or higher configuration in the entire country.

Replying to a separate question, Gadkari said electric vehicle charging stations are to be provided by the developer as part of the wayside amenities (WSAs) being awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

He said NHAI has already awarded 39 such facilities, and proposals for 103 such sites are at bidding stage.

Further, the minister said additional WSA sites, as and when identified by the Authority, would also be put up for bidding. The works which have been already awarded are expected to be completed by 2022-23.

Replying to another question, the minister said two-wheelers are not allowed on access-controlled expressways as good industry practice and codal provisions, for the safety of two-wheelers and other users of expressways. HRS hrs

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)