India’s Road Safety Crisis: A National Priority

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.