India’s rapid urbanisation and economic growth have amplified mobility challenges. Despite reforms, road fatalities remain high, demanding urgent attention to safety, equity, and sustainable transport solutions.

India’s Road Safety Crisis: A National Priority

• 2022 Data: India reported 1.68 lakh road deaths — translating to 12.2 deaths per 1 lakh population.
• International Comparison: Much higher than countries like Japan (2.57) and the UK (2.61).
• Economic Cost: Road crashes drain 3% of India’s GDP annually — a massive setback to national development.

Road Safety as a Fundamental Right

• Article 21 of the Constitution: It guarantees the right to life, which includes the right to safe road travel.
• Human Right: The state and society are morally and legally bound to treat road safety as a human right, not a luxury or technical issue.

Urbanisation and Mobility: A Rising Challenge

• Future Demographics: By 2047, urban residents will constitute nearly 50% of the population.
  • This urban growth will increase vehicle ownership and require inclusive infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users — pedestrians, cyclists, the elderly, and commuters.

Safe System Approach: Building Error-Resilient Roads

• Redesigning for Human Vulnerability: Accepts that human errors are inevitable but fatalities are not.
• Emphasises: Wider footpaths, Cycle tracks, Well-marked pedestrian crossings, Refuge islands, Lower speed limits & Raised intersections and calming features
• Shifts the Focus: From blaming individuals to creating safe environments.

Government Initiatives: MoRTH’s Active Role

• Rectifying 5,000+ black spots on highways
• Mandatory road safety audits for better accountability
• Stricter vehicle norms (airbags, ABS, etc.)
• Tech-based enforcement: Speed cameras, CCTV monitoring
• District-level driving & vehicle fitness centres: Strengthen driver training and vehicle safety checks

The Path Ahead

• Financing Road Safety: A Bold Proposal
  • Leveraging CSR for Safer Roads: Mandate automobile manufacturers to allocate 100% of CSR funds to road safety for 20–25 years.
  • Targets: Accident-prone zones, Public education, Trauma care, Safety research & Driver upskilling
  • PPP Collaboration: A collaborative public-private approach for long-term safety goals.
• Integrated Strategy: The 4 Es of Road Safety
  • Engineering: Safe infrastructure.
  • Enforcement: Strict and tech-based regulation.
  • Education: Public awareness and behavioural change.
  • Emergency Care: Quick, accessible trauma response.
    • Current emphasis on enforcement and emergency; engineering and education need strengthening.
• Global Insights and Investment Needs
  • World Bank’s Roadmap (2020): Proposes an additional $109 billion investment over 10 years.
    • Target: 50% reduction in road crash fatalities.
    • Long-term benefits: Lives saved, economic efficiency, mobility gains.
  • iRAP & Global Evidence: Every ₹1 invested in proven interventions can save up to ₹4 in avoided losses and productivity gains.
• Prioritising Vulnerable Users
  • Inclusive Urban Design: Roads should serve all users, not just vehicles.
  • Focus on: The needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and children.
  • Reflect Values: Streets as shared civic spaces reflecting social values, not just traffic corridors.

Conclusion

Achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 requires making road safety a national priority. With data-driven policies, inclusive design, and accountability, India can ensure safe, equitable, and resilient mobility for all.

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