India, a nation of rapid urbanisation and transformative infrastructure development, faces an enduring challenge in road safety. With approximately 178,000 lives lost annually to road accidents, as revealed by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the Parliament Winter Session 2024, road safety is a pressing concern. Alarmingly, individuals aged 18 to 34 years constitute around 60 per cent of these fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to mitigate these tragedies.

The ruling establishment at the Centre has set an ambitious target of reducing road accident fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030. Achieving this goal requires a focus on the ‘4Es’ of road safety: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. These pillars form the foundation of the government’s multi-pronged strategy to make India’s roads safer for all. By leveraging advanced technology, promoting behavioral change, and implementing effective policies, the nation is striving to set new benchmarks in road safety.

Innovations for safer roads Infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in addressing road safety. The government has prioritized the creation of safer road designs, improved signage, and better traffic management systems. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is spearheading several initiatives, including the deployment of upgraded Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs). Equipped with AI-powered dashboard cameras, these RPVs are designed to patrol National Highway stretches, monitor road conditions, and respond to emergencies. The advanced cameras can detect hazards like potholes, cracks, and infrastructure issues, enabling timely intervention to prevent accidents.

Project iRASTE is another noteworthy initiative, focusing on vehicle safety, mobility analysis, and road infrastructure safety. By harnessing the predictive power of AI, this project aims to reimagine road safety and create a safer driving environment. Bengaluru has also adopted an AI-driven traffic control system to alleviate congestion and enhance safety. Similarly, Kerala’s Safe Kerala Project, which employs AI traffic cameras, has proven effective in reducing traffic violations and accidents.

In Karnataka too, the integration of AI-based technologies such as Collision Warning Systems and Driver Drowsiness Systems has led to a significant decline in road accidents. These technological advancements are transforming the way road safety is perceived and implemented across the country.

Alarming statistics India’s road accident data underlines the gravity of the situation. The ‘Road Accidents in India, 2022’ report revealed a troubling rise in fatalities, with 1,68,491 deaths recorded in 2022 compared to 1,53,972 in 2021. This upward trend highlights the need for sustained efforts to reverse the tide.

The integration of AI and IoT in road safety measures offers promising solutions. Smart traffic signals, AI-powered surveillance, and predictive analytics are being utilized to address congestion, monitor traffic violations, and enhance overall safety. These innovations, coupled with infrastructure upgrades, aim to create a safer travel environment.

Awareness campaigns Enforcement of traffic laws is a critical aspect of road safety. Between September 25, 2020, and December 7, 2024, a staggering 23.92 crore e-challans amounting to Rs 36,703.96 crore were issued for traffic rule violations. This robust enforcement mechanism not only penalizes violators but also acts as a deterrent to reckless driving.

However, Nitin Gadkari has emphasized that enforcement alone is insufficient. A change in social behavior is essential to nurture a culture of road safety. Public awareness campaigns focusing on the dangers of speeding, drunk driving, and not wearing seat belts or helmets are being intensified. Education initiatives targeting school and college students aim to instill road safety habits from a young age.

The government’s emphasis on emergency care is evident in its efforts to strengthen post-accident response mechanisms. Rapid response teams and emergency medical services are being integrated into the road safety framework to ensure timely assistance to accident victims. The deployment of RPVs equipped with emergency medical kits is a step forward in enhancing the survival rate of accident victims.

Vision for safety India’s road safety vision is not limited to addressing existing challenges but also focuses on building a safer future. The government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancements, technological integration, and behavioral change is paving the way for significant improvements. By strengthening the ‘4Es’ of road safety and cultivating collaboration among stakeholders, India is on the path to achieving its ambitious target of reducing road accident fatalities by 2030.

While the road ahead is long, initiatives like AI-driven Route Patrolling Vehicles, the Safe Kerala Project, and Project iRASTE are setting new benchmarks in road safety. The combined efforts of policymakers, technology innovators, and citizens will be instrumental in realizing the vision of safer roads for all Indians.

The article is authored by Neeraj Kumar Sinha, Director, Chaitanya Projects Consultancy