Scale and Severity of India’s Road Safety Crisis
- India has one of the largest road networks and also the highest number of road traffic deaths globally.
- 1.68 lakh fatalities in 2022 → ~12.2 deaths per 1 lakh population.
- In contrast: Japan (2.57), UK (2.61) per 1 lakh population.
- Road crashes cost ~3% of India’s GDP annually, impacting development and economic productivity.
Relevance : GS 2(Health ) ,GS 3 (Infrastructure, Environment)
Right to Safe Mobility = Right to Life
- Safe road travel is a constitutional right under Article 21 – Right to Life.
- Emphasizes that road safety is a human right, not just a technical issue.
- Calls for treating roads as public spaces for all, not just vehicle corridors.
Urbanisation and Mobility Challenge
- By 2047, 50% of India will be urban → sharp rise in vehicle ownership.
- This urban growth must be met with people-centric urban planning:
- Focus on vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, elderly, public transport users.
Safe System Approach: Paradigm Shift
- Recognises human error is inevitable, but deaths are preventable.
- Prioritises:
- Pedestrian-first design
- Wider footpaths, dedicated cycle tracks
- Raised intersections, refuge islands
- Speed limits & traffic calming
- Shifts accountability from individuals to system design resilience.
Government Initiatives (MoRTH)
- 5000+ black spots on highways identified and being rectified.
- Mandatory road safety audits, stricter norms (airbags, ABS).
- Electronic enforcement: Speed cameras, CCTVs for compliance.
- Launch of driver training centres & vehicle fitness centres in every district.
Funding Road Safety: CSR Route
- Proposal: Auto manufacturers to channel 100% CSR funds to road safety for 20–25 years.
- Target areas:
- Black spot removal
- Awareness campaigns
- Emergency trauma care
- Driver education and research
- Encourages industry-government collaboration to build safer roads.
4 Es of Road Safety Strategy
- Engineering – Infrastructure upgrades and black spot fixes.
- Enforcement – Stricter penalties, digital surveillance.
- Education – Road user awareness and driver training.
- Emergency Care – Timely trauma response and medical infrastructure.
Global Insights & Investment Needs
- World Bank 2020 report: $109 billion needed in 10 years to cut fatalities by 50%.
- Returns: Up to 4x economic benefit per ₹1 spent on proven safety interventions.
- iRAP Four States Report also confirms high benefit-cost ratio for safety investments.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
- Road safety is not a luxury, but essential for sustainable development.
- Mobility should prioritise inclusivity, safety, and human dignity over speed.
- Calls for data-driven policies, accountability, and rethinking civic values around public space usage.
