India reports around five lakh road accidents every year, with 20 people dying every hour on the country's roads, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday. He highlighted the severity of the road safety crisis during an event organized by ICICI Lombard General Insurance in Delhi, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Gadkari spoke at the road safety event, stressing that the number of fatalities on Indian roads surpasses deaths caused by war or disease annually. He called for stricter enforcement of traffic norms, increased helmet use, and the development of safer infrastructure to curb the high accident and death rates. The minister's remarks were reported by ANI and covered by livemint.com.
India's road safety challenges are among the most critical public health issues, with the high accident rate reflecting gaps in enforcement and infrastructure. The statistics underscore the need for comprehensive reforms, including better road design and public awareness campaigns. The government's focus on safety aligns with global efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and improve urban mobility.
The next official road safety report, expected later this year, will provide updated data on accident trends and the impact of recent safety initiatives, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This report will be crucial for assessing progress and shaping future policies.