Nitin Gadkari Calls for Urgent Reforms Amid Rising Road Accidents

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has underscored the alarming state of road safety in India, noting that road accidents claim more lives annually than wars, militancy, and Naxalism combined. Speaking at the sixth edition of the FICCI Road Safety Awards and Conclave 2024, Gadkari emphasised the critical need for systemic changes to address the mounting toll of road accidents across the country.

Gadkari highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing that India witnesses approximately 5 lakh road accidents and 1.5 lakh fatalities each year, with an additional 3 lakh individuals sustaining injuries. The Minister pointed out that this persistent issue results in a significant economic burden, causing an estimated 3 per cent loss to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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These statistics paint a concerning picture of road safety in India, where despite various initiatives and awareness campaigns, the rate of accidents remains distressingly high. Gadkari’s remarks suggest that the problem is multifaceted, extending beyond driver behaviour to encompass broader issues related to road infrastructure and vehicle safety standards.

A key issue identified by Gadkari is the prevalence of blackspots—specific locations on roads where accidents occur frequently. He attributed the rise in these hazardous areas to poor detailed project reports (DPRs) and inadequate road engineering, rather than solely driver error. Gadkari called for a comprehensive safety audit of all highways to identify and rectify these flaws, emphasising that addressing engineering deficiencies is crucial to reducing accident rates.

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“Road engineering flaws are a significant contributor to accidents. It’s not just the drivers who are at fault; the roads themselves are often unsafe,” Gadkari stated. This perspective marks a shift towards recognising the role of infrastructure in road safety, highlighting the need for better planning and execution of road projects.

In response to the high incidence of road accidents, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is taking steps to improve emergency response capabilities. Gadkari announced the development of new codes for ambulances and their drivers, with a focus on equipping paramedics with advanced rescue tools such as cutters. The lack of such equipment has been identified as a critical issue, often delaying rescue operations by up to three hours, which can be the difference between life and death for accident victims.

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The Ministry is consulting with leading institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), to determine the necessary equipment and training for paramedics. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of emergency services, ensuring that accident victims receive timely and appropriate care.

Looking ahead, Gadkari outlined plans to improve vehicle safety standards on Indian roads. From 2025 onwards, only buses that meet international safety standards will be permitted to operate. This policy is intended to phase out outdated manufacturing practices, which often involve the use of substandard materials and rudimentary construction methods. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise India’s transportation infrastructure and ensure that vehicles on the road are safer and more reliable.