India’s Road Safety Crisis: Gadkari Acknowledges Failure of Efforts

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has expressed concern over the ongoing road accident crisis in India and urged the automotive industry to play a more active role in addressing the issue. Speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India’s annual meet, Gadkari acknowledged that despite government efforts, road accidents remain a significant problem.

According to Gadkari, India witnesses approximately 5 lakh road accidents annually, resulting in 1.68 lakh deaths. Alarmingly, 66 per cent of the victims are young adults aged between 18 and 36. The minister highlighted the particular vulnerability of schools, where 30,000 accidents occur each year.

To combat this crisis, Gadkari appealed to the auto industry to utilize corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to organize awareness programs, especially in schools. He emphasized the importance of changing human behavior through education and training. “We need cooperation from the media, social organizations, NGOs, and the industry,” Gadkari said. “If you can organize programs and contribute to this cause, it will be a great thing.”

The minister also stressed the critical role of schools in promoting road safety. By educating the younger generation, we can foster a culture of responsible driving and pedestrian behavior. Gadkari noted that in some regions, such as Assam, significant reductions in accidents have been achieved by focusing on road engineering and improving infrastructure.

However, Gadkari cautioned that addressing the road accident crisis requires a multifaceted approach. While infrastructure improvements are essential, he emphasized the need to address societal issues such as fear and respect for the law. By working together, the government, industry, and civil society can make a meaningful impact on road safety in India.