India's Road Accidents More Fatal Than Wars, Militancy: Gadkari Reveals

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that road accidents in India claim more lives than wars, militancy, and Naxalism. Speaking at the sixth edition of FICCI Road Safety Awards and Conclave 2024, he stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.

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Gadkari revealed that India experiences 5 lakh road accidents annually, resulting in 1.5 lakh deaths and 3 lakh injuries. This situation causes a 3 per cent loss to the country's GDP. He pointed out that drivers are often blamed for accidents, but poor road engineering is frequently at fault.

Road Safety Measures

The minister underscored the importance of conducting safety audits on all highways. He mentioned that improving lane discipline is crucial to reducing the number of accidents. Gadkari also announced that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is developing codes for ambulances and their drivers to enhance their efficiency in rescuing accident victims.

Currently, many ambulances lack advanced tools, leading to delays of up to three hours in rescuing trapped victims. Gadkari stated that Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been consulted to identify necessary equipment, and paramedics will be trained in their use.

Improving Public Transportation

From 2025, only buses meeting international safety standards will be allowed on Indian roads. Gadkari explained that this decision aims to address the current practice of manufacturing buses using rudimentary methods involving hammers, wooden planks, and aluminium sheets. The transition seeks to significantly enhance public transportation safety standards.

The minister also proposed a collaboration where industries would sponsor engineering colleges and IITs to conduct road safety audits. This initiative aims to leverage academic expertise to improve road safety measures across the country.

Gadkari noted that the number of blackspots on roads is increasing due to poorly detailed project reports (DPRs) of road projects. He emphasised the need for better planning and execution in road construction projects to prevent accidents.

"Like a sacrificial lamb, a driver is blamed for every accident. Let me tell you, and I observe minutely -- often, the road engineering is at fault," he said.

The minister's remarks highlight the critical need for comprehensive measures to improve road safety in India. By addressing issues related to road engineering, ambulance services, and public transportation standards, the government aims to reduce the alarming number of road accidents and fatalities.