Synopsis
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stresses the need for enhanced road safety measures. He highlights the government's goal to cut accident rates by 50% by 2030 and calls for the adoption of new technologies and better engineering practices.Key Takeaways
- Government aims for a 50% reduction in road accidents by 2030.
- Emphasis on using advanced technologies and sustainable materials.
- Collaboration between industry and government is essential.
- Road safety education and awareness are crucial.
- Need for stronger enforcement of laws and emergency services.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) There is an urgent necessity for enhanced road safety measures, as stated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. He urged the road construction sector to devise approaches that improve road safety through the adoption of advanced technologies and eco-friendly construction materials.
“With road safety being a primary concern, the government is committed to achieving a 50 percent reduction in accident rates by 2030,” the minister highlighted.
While addressing the two-day Global Road Infratech Summit and Expo (GRIS) in the national capital, the minister pointed out that a significant number of road accidents in the country result from inadequate civil engineering practices concerning road design, construction, and management, along with ineffective road signage and marking systems.
Gadkari proposed that these issues could be addressed by adopting best practices from countries such as Spain, Austria, and Switzerland.
India recorded 480,000 road accidents, leading to 180,000 fatalities and approximately 400,000 severe injuries.
Among these, 140,000 accident-related deaths involve individuals aged 18-45, primarily affecting two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.
“These incidents impose an economic loss equivalent to 3 percent of GDP,” Gadkari remarked.
He attributed the rise in road accidents largely to engineers’ poor planning and design of roadways, as well as substandard detailed project reports (DPRs).
“With road safety as a top priority, the government aims for a 50 percent reduction in accident rates by 2030,” he reiterated.
Gadkari called for collaboration between the industry and government to discover solutions for accident prevention, stressing the significance of education in creating safer infrastructure and raising awareness regarding safer driving practices.
He further underscored the necessity for stricter law enforcement and efficient emergency medical services.
The summit is designed to stimulate innovation, highlight cutting-edge solutions from industry providers, facilitate knowledge sharing, and create valuable networking opportunities for experts and decision-makers from both government and private sectors.
