Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari expressed his frustration and disappointment over the increasing number of road accidents in India during a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Admitting the country’s failure to reduce accidents, Gadkari stated, “Forget about reducing the number of accidents, I have no hesitation to admit that it has increased. When I go to attend international conferences where there is a discussion on road accidents, I try to hide my face.”
Gadkari, who had initially set an ambitious target to halve road accidents when he took charge, acknowledged the dire state of road safety in the country. He stressed that for tangible improvements, societal attitudes, human behaviour, and adherence to the rule of law must change.
Recounting a personal tragedy, Gadkari revealed that he and his family had survived a major accident that required extended hospitalisation. “By the grace of God, I and my family were saved. So, I have my personal experience of accidents,” he shared, adding that such incidents fuel his resolve to address road safety challenges.
He highlighted that truck parking on roads and the failure of trucks to maintain lane discipline are major contributors to accidents. To enhance safety, Gadkari has mandated the adoption of international standards for bus manufacturing in India. This includes ensuring that each bus is equipped with hammers near windows, allowing passengers to break the glass easily during emergencies.
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According to Gadkari, road accidents claim 1.78 lakh lives annually in India, with 60 per cent of the victims aged between 18 and 34 years. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest fatalities among states, with over 23,000 deaths (13.7 per cent of total fatalities). Tamil Nadu followed with over 18,000 deaths (10.6 per cent), Maharashtra with over 15,000 deaths (nine per cent), and Madhya Pradesh with over 13,000 deaths (eight per cent).
Among cities, Delhi recorded the most fatalities, with over 1,400 deaths, followed by Bengaluru with 915 deaths, and Jaipur with 850 deaths.
Gadkari emphasised that combating road accidents requires a multifaceted approach, combining infrastructure upgrades, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and behavioural changes. Despite the grim statistics, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to improving road safety and reducing fatalities.
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