Is Gujarat Developing a Scientific Speed Management Policy?
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Synopsis
Gujarat is on the verge of introducing a pioneering Speed Management Policy, leveraging the expertise of top institutions. This initiative aims to significantly enhance road safety by addressing the alarming rate of speed-related fatalities. Stakeholders from various sectors are collaborating to create data-driven strategies that promise to transform road safety in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat is developing a Speed Management Policy.
- Collaboration with IIT Kharagpur and CEE is crucial.
- Speeding accounts for over 65% of road fatalities.
- Data-driven strategies will be implemented.
- The goal is to halve road deaths by 2030.
Ahmedabad, July 30 (NationPress) Gujarat is preparing to formulate a detailed Speed Management Policy, leveraging technical insights from IIT Kharagpur, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), and the Road Safety Network (RSN).
The declaration was made during a high-profile Speed Meeting focused on Speed Management Guidelines, organized by CEE Ahmedabad, which convened crucial stakeholders from various sectors including government, law enforcement, academia, and civil society.
In his address, Satish Patel, Commissioner of the Gujarat Road Safety Authority (GujROSA), highlighted that over 65% of road crash fatalities in Gujarat are attributable to speeding, as reported in the MoRTH Road Accidents in India Report 2022.
He stated, 'A data-driven policy shift, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and scientific methodologies are vital. We aim to create a Gujarat-specific approach with support from IIT Kharagpur and CEE.'
The session included a presentation by Prof. Bhargab Maitra from IIT Kharagpur, who illustrated speed management strategies successfully executed in West Bengal.
He pointed out that Gujarat could adapt similar techniques to accommodate its varied road infrastructure and enforcement capabilities.
'State-specific zoning and data-informed strategies can revolutionize road safety. Gujarat possesses the potential to spearhead this transformation,' Maitra remarked.
Inspector General of Police (Traffic), M.L. Ninama, recognized the pressing need for action, asserting, 'Speeding ranks among the most lethal factors contributing to accidents. This initiative transitions us from reactive enforcement to proactive, scientific management.'
Kartikeya Sarabhai, former IAS officer and CEE Director, underscored the significance of public involvement.
'Through programs like AmdaVamdA, we engage the community in safety through education and awareness. Road safety is a critical aspect of sustainable urban mobility,' he stated.
The meeting also featured contributions from The Urban Lab Foundation (TULF), presenting data on infrastructure deficiencies, high-accident zones, and signage discrepancies throughout Gujarat.
Participants from various departments including Roads & Buildings, Urban Development, NHAI, Health, Education, and Police engaged in a fruitful discussion on cooperative enforcement and public engagement strategies.
With 17,419 road fatalities reported in Gujarat in 2022, alongside a 14.9% annual increase in accidents, the state is urgently pursuing evidence-based speed control measures in alignment with its goal to reduce road fatalities by half by 2030, in accordance with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.
Point of View
The urgent need for a scientific approach to speed management in Gujarat highlights a growing recognition of evidence-based policy-making. As road safety becomes increasingly critical, the collaboration among various sectors presents a promising pathway to address this pressing issue effectively.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of Gujarat's Speed Management Policy?
The policy aims to reduce road fatalities by implementing evidence-based speed control measures and promoting safe driving practices.
Who is involved in developing this policy?
The development involves collaboration with IIT Kharagpur, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), the Road Safety Network (RSN), and various government agencies.
Why is speeding a major concern in Gujarat?
Speeding contributes to over 65% of road crash deaths in Gujarat, making it a critical area to address for improving road safety.
What strategies will be employed in the policy?
The strategies will include data-driven approaches, state-specific zoning, and enhanced inter-agency coordination.
What is the ultimate goal of this initiative?
The ultimate goal is to halve road fatalities in Gujarat by 2030, in line with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.
