In a bid to reduce the number of fatalities in road accidents, the union minister of road transport, highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari is claimed to have said that the centre is studying various proposals including the identification of accident prone spots. His ministry, Gadkari is known to have said, has drafted a Rs.12,000 crore scheme to improve the condition of the highways. It has also made it mandatory from next year for M&HCV drivers in the NCR region to learn life saving and first aid techniques to provide immediate medical aid to accident victims. Often crucial life saving time is lost until a professional medical help arrives. In the absence of the training M&HCV drivers may not be able to get or renew their driving license. In an effort to enhance the working conditions of CV drivers, the ministry is said to be considering a proposal to make air-conditioned drive compartments mandatory. Such a move is expected to provide relief to drivers who work for several hours non-stop. It is also expected to help the drivers stay alert and respond to emergency measures efficiently.