Pakistan’s Salt Range Safety Initiative: Enhancing HTV Safety Along the M-2 Corridor
Background
The Salt Range region of Pakistan, particularly along the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2), has been notorious for heavy transport vehicle (HTV) accidents due to its steep gradients and winding roads. After a devastating accident in February 2023, where a bus lost control near Kallar Kahar due to brake failure and resulted in the loss of 14 lives, authorities responded with a comprehensive safety enhancement initiative aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Implementation
The safety project involved a wide array of measures focused on both infrastructure upgrades and regulatory improvements. Mandatory brake inspection checkpoints were established at both the entry and exit points of the Salt Range corridor to ensure vehicle roadworthiness before entering the high-risk zone. Authorities also installed advanced weight-in-motion sensors capable of detecting overloaded vehicles, which are particularly vulnerable to mechanical failure on steep inclines.
To further mitigate the dangers posed by brake failure, three emergency escape ramps were constructed at critical points along the descent, providing a controlled path for runaway vehicles. In addition, thermal imaging cameras were deployed to monitor brake temperatures in real time, allowing early detection of overheating systems. The project also introduced variable speed limits that adjust based on vehicle type, traffic conditions, and weather, enhancing the precision of traffic regulation. To address driver fatigue, rest areas were created before difficult sections, encouraging drivers to take breaks before tackling the steep descent.
Results
The results were immediate and significant. HTV-related accidents in the Salt Range dropped by 78% within the first year of the project’s implementation. Notably, there were zero fatalities caused by brake failure incidents, largely due to the effective use of the emergency escape ramps. A total of 2,385 vehicles that posed safety risks were identified and prevented from entering the high-risk zone, thanks to the new inspection and monitoring systems. Authorities also observed a marked improvement in the average condition of braking systems in HTVs traversing the route. These safety improvements translated into substantial economic benefits, including reduced accident-related costs and greater reliability in freight transportation.
Lessons Learned
The Salt Range safety initiative demonstrated that improving road safety, particularly for HTVs in mountainous terrain, requires a multifaceted approach. Infrastructure enhancements alone are not sufficient; strict enforcement of vehicle standards and real-time monitoring are equally crucial. The success of this project has set a new standard for transport safety in the region and is now being considered as a model for similar high-risk routes across Pakistan and neighboring countries.
