Can the International Road Federation Collaborate with MoRTH to Enhance Road Safety Audits?
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Synopsis
In a bid to enhance road safety in India, the International Road Federation has approached MoRTH for collaboration on a national Road Safety Audit Certification framework. This partnership aims to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents, which claimed over 1.73 lakh lives in 2023 alone. Can this initiative transform road safety standards in the country?
Key Takeaways
- IRF proposes collaboration with MoRTH to enhance road safety audits.
- Over 1.73 lakh fatalities reported in 2023 due to road accidents.
- Need for a skilled cadre of auditors emphasized by IRF.
- International standards aimed at improving road safety.
- Programme launched with support from NHAI and MSRDC.
New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The International Road Federation (IRF), based in Geneva, has suggested a cooperation with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) aiming to refine the national framework for Road Safety Audit Certification in India, as announced on Monday.
This global organization, dedicated to improving road safety internationally, alongside its Indian Chapter (IRF-IC), responded to MoRTH’s request in October to elevate the professional standards in road safety auditing.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that over 1.73 lakh individuals lost their lives and 4.47 lakh were injured in road accidents in India during 2023, with approximately 46 percent of the casualties being two-wheeler riders.
K.K. Kapila, President (Emeritus) of IRF and Founder President of IRF-IC, stressed the urgent necessity for cultivating a proficient group of road safety auditors.
In his letter to the Ministry, he emphasized that road accidents continue to result in the loss of thousands of lives annually and cause significant economic repercussions, highlighting the pressing need for capacity building aligned with international standards.
The IRF’s International Registry Programme, created to develop, acknowledge, and accredit skilled Road Safety Auditors globally, forms the foundation of this collaboration proposal.
This programme has been effectively executed in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Tanzania, Turkey, and India, establishing a cohesive global standard for road safety auditing.
In India, the initiative was officially launched in October 2025, with backing from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in New Delhi and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) in Mumbai.
More than 40 engineers underwent rigorous theoretical and practical evaluations adhering to internationally recognized norms and earned the Certification of Competence.
“These certified experts will begin as Observers in international audits, advancing to Team Members and ultimately Team Leaders as they gain field experience,” stated IRF.
IRF-IC stressed that a formal partnership with MoRTH would greatly enhance the quality and consistency of road safety audits nationwide. The Federation has requested the ministry to allow IRF-IC to spearhead nationwide capacity building for conducting Road Safety Audits.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of road safety in India, where the statistics are alarming. The collaboration between the International Road Federation and MoRTH signifies a proactive approach to addressing this crisis. This initiative could play a pivotal role in reducing fatalities and enhancing the overall quality of road safety audits, benefiting millions of citizens.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the proposed partnership between IRF and MoRTH?
The partnership aims to improve the national framework for Road Safety Audit Certification in India, enhancing professional standards in road safety auditing.
How many people died in road accidents in India in 2023?
Over 1.73 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents across India in 2023.
What is the IRF's International Registry Programme?
The programme is an initiative to develop, recognize, and accredit competent Road Safety Auditors worldwide, aiming to create unified global standards.
When was the IRF’s programme launched in India?
The programme was officially launched in India in October 2025.
What role will certified professionals play in road safety audits?
Certified professionals will initially serve as Observers in international audits, later becoming Team Members and eventually Team Leaders based on field experience.
