Shimla, Jan. 21 -- Himachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday said that the state has urged the Centre to install crash barriers at 252 blackspots in the state, adding that only 4% of the road stretches in Himachal have crash barriers at present. "There are just 4% of road stretches in Himachal currently equipped with crash barriers, the state government has intensified efforts to improve road safety by adopting modern technology, strengthening enforcement, and upgrading infrastructure," Agnihotri, who is also the state transport minister, said while speaking to HT. Expressing concern, he said around 800 people lose their lives annually in road accidents in Himachal, mainly due to over-speeding, overloading and drunk driving. Nearly 600 accident black spots have been identified and addressed, though several more still require attention. "With crash barriers present on only 4% of road stretches, the department is undertaking a detailed exercise to address accident-prone locations," he said. "There are 519 blackspots identified in the state of which we are seeking help of Centre for rectification of 252 black spots," added Agnihotri. The state witnessed 1,920 accidents in 2025 of which 662 were fatal, killing 789 persons, as against 2,156 accidents reported in 2024 of which 741 were fatal, killing 869 persons. "Overspeeding, overcrowding, alcoholism are main reason behind the accidents. 47%of accidents occurred on National Highways," said Agnihotri. Chairing a meeting of the transport development and road safety committee, Agnihotri said the transport department is functioning as a revenue-generating organisation and will continue to do so in the future. "Since the formation of the present government, the department has generated Rs.2,600 crore in revenue, compared to Rs.1,500 crore during the previous regime, registering an additional Rs.1,100 crore. By 2027, revenue generation is projected to rise by another Rs.1,500 crore," he said. Deputy CM said that in line with the IT age, the department is shifting from manual systems to auto-approval mechanisms. "Within the next four to five months, most authorisations, including driving licences, vehicle fitness certificates, permits and other services, will be issued online with auto-generation, eliminating the need for citizens and vehicle owners to visit transport offices," he said....