New Strategies to Enhance Road Safety Discussed at MoRTH Meeting
The Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) convened with Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari at the helm, focusing on the pressing matter of road safety in India. During the meeting, attended by Ministers of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra and Shri Ajay Tamta, critical initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and casualties were discussed.
Multi-Faceted Approach to Road Safety
The meeting centered around “Measures for Reduction in Road Accidents and Fatalities,” advocating for a coordinated strategy to address the alarming rate of road incidents. The Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) updated the committee on ongoing efforts to bolster road safety across National Highways.
Key Initiatives Addressed
An insightful presentation by the Additional Secretary (Transport) delineated key initiatives categorized under the four pillars of road safety: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Care. This presentation outlined past achievements, current challenges, and the necessity for enhancing existing measures while implementing new safety protocols.
The Secretary of Road Transport & Highways also informed the committee about innovative AI-enabled technologies being developed in partnership with IIT Kanpur, aimed at improving road safety.
Concerns Raised by Committee Members
While acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry, committee members voiced concerns over the persistently high rates of accidents and fatalities. They advocated for a comprehensive strategy that includes engineering improvements, heightened public awareness, and robust law enforcement. Key issues discussed included:
- Rectifying dangerous black spots
- Widening certain stretches of National Highways
- Establishing trauma care facilities along highways
- Enhancing compensation for road accident victims
- Improving road maintenance and repairs
- Coordinating with State Governments on State Highways
Moreover, suggestions for including road safety in school curricula, establishing a Centre for Road Safety, and setting up trauma centers in every district were raised.
Innovative Solutions and Future Plans
Addressing the committee’s concerns, Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that a 30 GHz radio frequency has been allocated for developing vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems, which aim to lower accident rates. He stressed the importance of regular meetings of the Members of Parliament Road Safety Committee (MPRSC) with key local stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the integration of road safety measures in Detailed Project Reports and mandated regional officers and project directors to actively participate in MPRSC meetings. AI-driven road safety applications will also be shared with States and Union Territories for wider accessibility.
Promoting Road Safety Awareness
In a compelling move, the Minister unveiled the Road Safety Anthem, now translated into 22 regional languages, urging parliament members to promote its use in educational institutions and public events. Gadkari concluded the meeting by encouraging officials to persist in their efforts toward enhancing road infrastructure, reaffirming the government’s commitment to saving lives on Indian roads.
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