Road Accidents Cost Nation 3% of GDP Annually: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has highlighted a critical concern regarding road safety in India, revealing that approximately 60% of the 1.78 lakh individuals killed annually in road accidents are within the 18 to 34 age group. This statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address road safety, particularly among young adults.
Speaking at the ‘AMCHAM’s Technology Interventions for Road Safety: US-India Partnership’ event in New Delhi, Mr. Gadkari emphasized that India suffers an economic loss of about 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to road accidents. This translates to significant financial setbacks, considering the nation’s economic scale.
The minister stressed the importance of thoroughly assessing the causes of road accidents before implementing solutions. He pointed out that inadequate Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) contribute significantly to the problem, suggesting that meticulous planning and execution of road projects are essential to enhance safety standards.
In an effort to encourage bystander assistance, the government has introduced the Good Samaritans scheme, offering a reward of ₹25,000 to individuals who help accident victims. This initiative aims to promote immediate assistance at accident scenes, potentially reducing fatalities and severe injuries.
Mr. Gadkari also called for the integration of road safety education into school curricula, aiming to instill awareness and responsible behavior among students from an early age. This proactive approach seeks to cultivate a culture of safety and compliance with traffic regulations among future drivers and pedestrians.
National Highways Expansion
India has witnessed a substantial expansion of its national highways network over the past decade. From a total length of 97,830 kilometers in 2014-15, the network has grown to 145,155 kilometers by March 2023. This indicates an addition of approximately 47,325 kilometers over nine years, averaging about 14 kilometers of new highways constructed per day.
The pace of construction has seen significant acceleration, with the daily construction rate reaching around 34 kilometers per day in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks the second-highest rate of national highway construction in India’s history, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s infrastructure.
Road Accident Statistics on National Highways
National highways, while constituting a small percentage of the total road network, are significant sites for road accidents. In 2022, national highways accounted for 33% of total road accidents in India. This disproportionate figure highlights the need for targeted safety measures on these critical routes.
Government Initiatives to Enhance Road Safety
The Indian government has undertaken several initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and enhancing safety:
- Targeted Reduction of Accidents: The government aims to reduce road accident rates by 50% by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects a commitment to improving road safety through various measures, including stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved road engineering.
- Good Samaritans Scheme: As mentioned, this scheme incentivizes bystanders to assist accident victims by offering a monetary reward, thereby encouraging prompt medical attention and potentially saving lives.
- Road Safety Education: Integrating road safety topics into school curricula aims to build awareness from a young age, fostering responsible behavior among future road users.
- Improved Road Engineering: Addressing flaws in road design and construction is crucial. The government is focusing on enhancing the quality of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to ensure safer road infrastructures.
- Stricter Traffic Law Enforcement: Enhancing the enforcement of traffic regulations aims to deter violations that often lead to accidents, such as speeding and driving under the influence.
- Emergency Medical Services: Improving the availability and response times of emergency medical services ensures that accident victims receive timely care, reducing the likelihood of fatalities.
These multifaceted strategies reflect the government’s holistic approach to tackling the complex issue of road safety in India. By addressing factors ranging from infrastructure and education to enforcement and emergency response, these initiatives aim to create a safer environment for all road users.
The emphasis on protecting young adults, who constitute a significant portion of road accident victims, is particularly crucial. Through continued efforts and collaborations, the government seeks to significantly reduce the human and economic costs associated with road accidents in the country.
