In a stark reminder of India's road safety crisis, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari revealed that around 1.80 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents in 2024. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi after a road safety meeting with Transport Ministers from all States and Union Territories, Mr. Gadkari presented data that underscores the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures across the country.
One of the significant contributors to road accident fatalities, as highlighted by Mr. Gadkari, was the lack of helmet usage. "Nearly 30,000 people died because they were not wearing a helmet," he said, emphasizing the critical role of basic safety gear in saving lives.
Alarmingly, the Minister noted that 66% of road accident deaths occurred among individuals aged 18 to 34, pointing to the vulnerability of the younger population. This statistic underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic rules to protect this age group.
Another shocking revelation was the death of approximately 10,000 children due to inadequate safety measures at entry and exit points near schools and colleges. Mr. Gadkari called for immediate action to address this issue by ensuring proper road infrastructure and traffic management around educational institutions.
The Minister emphasized that road safety is not just a transport issue but a public health and economic concern. The loss of lives and the associated economic costs highlight the need for a comprehensive approach involving government agencies, private stakeholders, and civil society.
Mr. Gadkari urged State and Union Territory governments to implement stricter road safety measures, including:
The sobering statistics shared by Mr. Gadkari serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders. With young lives disproportionately affected and preventable causes like helmet non-compliance and poor infrastructure contributing to fatalities, immediate and coordinated action is essential.
The government’s renewed focus on road safety through collaborative efforts with States and Union Territories aims to reduce accidents and save lives, making Indian roads safer for all.
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