Key Takeaways

  • Bihar has picked about 14,000 new spots for zebra crossings and fresh paint.
  • The state already has about 9,500 zebra crossings, so the total could reach about 23,500.
  • Most proposed spots come from the Rural Works Department (12,858), plus 342 from the Road Construction Department and 88 from NHAI.
  • The focus areas include schools, hospitals, markets, busy junctions, and crash “black spots”.
  • Official crash data shows pedestrians face very high risk, so better crossings can save lives.

Walking should feel safe. However, many roads feel scary to cross. Bihar now plans a big fix. It will build zebra crossings at about 14,000 new locations by April 30.

Bihar’s plan in clear numbers

A zebra crossing is the black-and-white crossing on a road. It tells drivers, “Stop and let people walk.”

Here is what Bihar announced in simple counts:

  • New zebra crossing locations: about 14,000
  • Deadline for building and painting: April 30
  • Existing zebra crossings in the state: about 9,500
  • Possible total after completion: about 23,500

Also, that change is huge. It can raise the network by about 147% compared to the current count.

Who shared how many locations

Different agencies shared lists of places where crossings are needed:

  • Rural Works Department: 12,858 locations
  • Road Construction Department: 342 locations
  • NHAI (National Highways Authority of India): 88 locations

Together, these three lists add up to 13,288 locations. So, other agencies may cover the remaining spots to reach “about 14,000”.

Where zebra crossings help the most

A painted crossing helps most when people already cross there. So, Bihar’s focus areas make sense:

  • Near schools and coaching centers
  • Near hospitals and clinics
  • Near markets and bus stops
  • Near major junctions with heavy traffic
  • Near known crash-prone spots

Also, these places often have children, seniors, and patients. So, a safe crossing matters more.

Why paint alone will not save lives

A zebra crossing works only when drivers see it and respect it. So, Bihar needs more than paint.

These are the top reasons crossings fail:

  • Faded lines and poor night visibility
  • No signs that warn drivers early
  • High speeds with no traffic calming
  • Parked vehicles blocking the view
  • No footpath infrastructure leading to the crossing

So, the best results come from a “complete crossing,” not just stripes.

A simple checklist for a “complete crossing”

Bihar can make each crossing safer with a few easy steps.

Step 1: Make it visible from far away

  • Use bright, high-contrast crosswalk markings
  • Add warning signs before the crossing
  • Add streetlights or better lighting where needed

Step 2: Slow vehicles near the crossing

  • Add speed control near schools and markets
  • Use rumble strips where allowed
  • Use raised crossings in suitable streets

This is traffic calming. It reduces speed, and it also reduces crash force.

Step 3: Give walkers a safe path to reach it

  • Build or fix sidewalks and ramps
  • Remove obstacles near the crossing
  • Keep the crossing clear of parking

This supports pedestrian right of way in real life, not only on paper.

Step 4: Maintain and repaint on a schedule

  • Repaint before the monsoon and after it
  • Track fading and fix quickly
  • Add local checks through district committees

Maintenance is boring. However, it is the part that saves lives.

Step 5: Enforce and educate at the same time

  • Police should stop “no-yield” driving near crossings
  • Schools should teach safe crossing habits
  • Campaigns should remind drivers to stop

Road safety rules work best when people see them enforced.

The risk is real for pedestrians in Bihar

Pedestrians often have the worst outcome in a crash. They have no metal frame to protect them.

Recent official reporting based on NCRB data shows:

  • Bihar recorded 3,462 pedestrian deaths in 2023.
  • Bihar also recorded 1,657 pedestrian injuries in 2023.
  • Patna alone saw 67 pedestrian deaths and 64 pedestrian injuries in 2023.

Also, earlier NCRB-based reporting said:

  • Bihar recorded 2,796 pedestrian deaths in 2021.

That means pedestrian deaths rose by about 24% from 2021 to 2023 (2,796 to 3,462).

So, safer crossings are not a “nice to have.” They are a life-saving need.

Did You Know? India reported 4,61,312 road crashes and 1,68,491 deaths in 2022. That is about 1,264 crashes and 462 deaths every day.

What success looks like on the road

A good zebra crossing changes behavior fast. It creates a clear habit:

  • Drivers slow down early.
  • Drivers stop before the stripes.
  • Walkers cross in one direct line.
  • Traffic moves smoother after the stop.

Also, fewer people dash across randomly. That reduces near-misses and sudden braking.

Quick tips for drivers and riders

You can make every crossing safer today.

  • Slow down near schools and markets.
  • Look for the stripes early, not at the last second.
  • Stop and let people cross fully.
  • Do not overtake near a crossing.
  • Never block the crossing when traffic stops.

Even one safe stop can prevent a tragedy.

Quick tips for pedestrians

Safe walking also needs safe habits.

  • Cross at the zebra crossing when possible.
  • Make sure drivers see you before you step in.
  • Walk straight across, not on a diagonal.
  • Avoid phone use while crossing.
  • At night, wear light colors if you can.

Also, teach children to wait, look, and cross together.

Why this plan matters for Bihar road safety

This plan supports pedestrian safety at scale. It also supports better traffic flow.

If Bihar completes 14,000 new zebra crossings on time:

  • More people will cross at safer points.
  • Drivers will see clear “stop zones” more often.
  • School zone safety can improve in many districts.
  • Busy junctions can become more organized.

So, the plan can lower risk. It can also build a stronger safety culture.

Conclusion

Bihar’s zebra crossing push is a practical road fix. It sets a clear deadline. It also targets the places where people cross most.

Still, paint is only the start. Bihar will get the best results with signs, lighting, speed control, and regular repainting. Also, steady enforcement and public learning will make the stripes mean something.

If drivers stop, and walkers cross right, fewer families will face loss. That is the real goal.

FAQs

What is a zebra crossing in simple words?

It is a marked place to cross the road. It tells drivers to give way to walkers.

Why is Bihar adding 14,000 new zebra crossings?

Because many roads lack safe crossing points. Also, pedestrian deaths and injuries remain high.

Where will Bihar build these crossings first?

Mostly near schools, hospitals, markets, busy junctions, and known crash-prone spots.

Do zebra crossings work without traffic signals?

Yes, they can. However, they work best with signs, lighting, slower speeds, and enforcement.

What should drivers do at a zebra crossing?

Drivers should slow down early. Then they should stop and let people cross safely.

How can Bihar keep these crossings effective all year?

It should repaint on a schedule. Also, it should keep the area clear and enforce yielding rules.

References

www.livehindustan.com/bihar/jp-… www.jagran.com/bihar/pat… timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patn… timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patn… www.pib.gov.in/PressRele… www.who.int/news-room… www.who.int/publicati…