India’s Road Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for a national focus on improving road safety and utilizing cutting-edge technology to achieve this goal. Speaking at the 12th edition of the Traffic InfraTech Expo in New Delhi, Gadkari underscored the urgent need for action, highlighting the staggering number of road accidents in India – a figure that reaches approximately 500,000 annually, with a disproportionate number of fatalities occurring among young adults aged 18-36. The economic impact of these accidents is also significant, estimated at 3% of India’s GDP.
Gadkari emphasized that improving road safety is a top priority for the government and that several initiatives are already underway. These include enhancing road engineering with the latest global technologies, actively engaging with Indian startups and young engineers to foster innovation in this sector, and adopting advanced technologies such as AI. He stressed that achieving effective road safety requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing improved engineering, robust law enforcement, and the integration of cutting-edge technology.
Gadkari also addressed the government’s focus on modernizing law enforcement techniques through the implementation of AI and other innovative methods to identify traffic violations. This will allow authorities to enforce penalties more accurately and effectively. The minister outlined plans for upgrading toll collection methods, including exploring satellite toll systems, which would improve efficiency and ensure transparency in the collection process.
Demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to improving road safety, Gadkari announced the establishment of an expert committee comprising private sector professionals to develop technological solutions. This committee will evaluate proposals from startups and industry leaders, ensuring that the most promising ideas are implemented quickly. The committee is tasked with completing its evaluations within three months, aiming for a rapid improvement in road safety standards.
Gadkari underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, particularly in the use of surveillance technologies such as cameras. He assured that quality and standards would not be compromised, regardless of whether solutions come from large corporations or small, innovative firms. He actively encouraged small companies with innovative technologies to participate in government tenders, emphasizing the importance of cost-effectiveness while maintaining fair profit margins.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of the road and transport sectors, Gadkari stressed the need for collaboration to create integrated solutions. He expressed confidence that by leveraging the best available technologies, India can achieve transparency, reduce costs, and significantly enhance road safety.
Gadkari extended his gratitude to the participants of the Traffic InfraTech Expo for their contributions to research and development, their efforts in bringing the Indian industry to international standards, and their dedication to the nation’s progress. He urged all stakeholders—government, private sector, and startups—to work together to address the pressing issue of road safety in India.