Nitin Gadkari Expresses Concern Over Growing Cases Of Reckless Driving

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for significant changes in highway design and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to address the rising number of road accidents in India. Speaking at the sixth edition of the FICCI Road Safety Awards and Conclave 2024, Gadkari emphasised the need for innovative solutions to improve road safety, highlighting the alarming rate of traffic violations despite increased penalties.

Gadkari announced that he has directed engineers to develop new designs for highway medians or dividers that would be impossible for vehicles or individuals to jump over. This initiative aims to deter reckless road users from crossing highways dangerously, a problem that has become increasingly prevalent. Gadkari pointed out that certain road users in India display "special" behaviours, often going to great lengths to cross roads unsafely, necessitating more robust infrastructure solutions.

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In addition to median redesigns, Gadkari revealed plans to construct more foot-over bridges across highways, particularly in urban areas. These bridges will be equipped with ramps to allow two-wheelers to cross safely, addressing a common issue where motorcyclists and scooter riders risk their lives by crossing busy highways at grade level. This measure is part of a broader strategy to enhance pedestrian and rider safety in areas where highways intersect with urban roads.

Gadkari also expressed concern over the high incidence of reckless driving, particularly instances of driving on the wrong side of the road and hit-and-run accidents. He suggested that the guardians of such reckless drivers should be held accountable and publicly named and shamed to discourage such behaviour. Despite the government's efforts to curb traffic violations through steep hikes in fines, Gadkari noted that many road users continue to disregard traffic rules, indicating a lack of respect for the law and a persistent culture of rule-breaking.

The minister underscored the gravity of road accidents in India, stating that they claim more lives than the wars with Pakistan and China, as well as Left-Wing Extremist activities, communal riots, and other law and order issues combined. This stark comparison was made to highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on Indian roads.