How Can Union Minister Ajay Tamta Drive a Push for Zero Road Fatalities?
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Synopsis
Ajay Tamta, Union Minister, champions a transformative approach to road safety, advocating for zero fatalities. With alarming statistics and expert insights, the summit emphasizes immediate action over mere dialogue. What strategies will be adopted to protect vulnerable road users? Discover the urgent call for change.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent need for reduced road fatalities
- Focus on innovative safety solutions
- Collaboration between government and NGOs
- Implementation of strict enforcement measures
- Promotion of road safety awareness
New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) The Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, emphasized the pressing necessity to diminish road accident fatalities in India during an address at the 'Dialogue to Action: National Summit on Vulnerable Road Users and Road Safety'. He stated, "The matter of road safety is crucial, and we must innovate solutions to mitigate road fatalities."
He further asserted, "Our aim should be to achieve zero road fatalities."
UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jen Todt, referred to road crashes as a 'silent pandemic' and pointed out that over 1.2 million individuals lose their lives in road accidents worldwide each year.
In 2021, India recorded over 1.54 lakh fatalities due to road incidents.
"The majority of victims are young individuals, daily commuters, and primary earners for their families. India demands more than just discussions; it necessitates decisive action, and that action is required immediately," he expressed.
Amit Bhardwaj, Deputy Adviser at NITI Aayog, noted that while India's national highways and two-wheeler usage have surged over the past decade, the safety infrastructure has not evolved accordingly.
He recommended stringent enforcement measures, such as denying fuel to riders who are not wearing helmets.
Bharadwaj also indicated that inadequate bike design could contribute to the reluctance of many riders to wear helmets.
Mitra Sen Verma, Director of the Bureau of Indian Standards, announced readiness to collaborate with NGOs to combat counterfeit helmet manufacturers and bolster road safety education in schools.
Maharaj Singh, a Consultant for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, observed that while the Central government can formulate laws, robust enforcement measures are the responsibility of state governments.
He highlighted the importance of joint initiatives and effective implementation.
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Hi-Tech, voiced concerns about the significant presence of counterfeit helmets in the Indian market.
"Approximately 95 percent of licensed manufacturers are producing fake helmets. India requires 13 crore standard helmets, but only 3 crore are produced by the organized sector," he stated, proposing a Rs 6,000 crore investment plan to address the problem and create job opportunities.
Manoranjan Parida, Director of the CSIR-CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, mentioned that India has pledged to cut road crashes by 50 percent by 2030, yet the current situation is alarming.
He suggested the establishment of dedicated lanes for two-wheelers, similar to those in Vietnam and Malaysia, and urged Bollywood and the media to advocate for road safety.
B. Mohammed Asheel from the World Health Organization commended India's laws on paper but pointed to a significant gap in practical enforcement.
He remarked that road crash fatalities now exceed those caused by infectious diseases, calling for a public movement akin to the response during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anurag Kulshrestha, President of TRAX, pointed out that over 65 percent of road fatalities involve vulnerable road users, including bikers and pedestrians.
He emphasized that most of these deaths are preventable, attributing the issues to substandard helmets and ineffective enforcement.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the urgent call for action by Union Minister Ajay Tamta. The rising number of road fatalities demands not only dialogue but concrete measures to ensure the safety of all road users. Collaborative efforts between government and civil society are crucial in addressing this challenge and transforming India's road safety landscape.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the summit attended by Ajay Tamta?
The primary goal of the summit is to address the urgent need for reducing road fatalities in India and to develop actionable strategies towards achieving zero road deaths.
How many people die in road accidents in India each year?
In 2021, over 1.54 lakh people lost their lives in road crashes in India.
What recommendations were made regarding helmet usage?
It was suggested to enforce strict measures, such as denying fuel to riders who are not wearing helmets, to promote safety.
What is the significance of the term 'silent pandemic' in this context?
The term 'silent pandemic' refers to the alarming number of road crash deaths globally, which amount to more than 1.2 million each year, highlighting the urgent need for action.
What collaborative efforts are being proposed to improve road safety?
Experts are advocating for partnerships between government agencies and NGOs to combat issues like counterfeit helmets and to promote road safety education.
