'Name & Shame parents of reckless drivers': Nitin Gadkari says more people die in road accidents than war and terror

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for "naming and shaming" the guardians who permit reckless driving, emphasizing the urgent need for road safety reforms in India. Speaking at the sixth edition of the FICCI Road Safety Awards and Conclave 2024, Gadkari highlighted the severe impact of road accidents in the country, stating that more lives are lost in road crashes than in wars, militancy, and Naxalism combined. India reports about 500,000 accidents annually, leading to 150,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries, translating to a 3 percent loss in GDP.

New Designs for Medians and More Foot Over Bridges

To combat the issue of unsafe road conditions, Gadkari announced that engineers are being instructed to design new medians that are difficult to bypass. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is also planning to build additional foot over bridges in urban areas, which will include ramps to facilitate the use of two-wheelers.

Addressing Reckless Driving

Gadkari pointed out that despite significant fines, traffic rules are frequently broken. He stressed the importance of holding guardians responsible for allowing reckless drivers, noting, "There is a need to name and shame the guardians who allow such drivers."

Focus on Road Safety Audits and Improved Emergency Response

Gadkari also advocated for thorough safety audits of highways and improved lane discipline. Additionally, the MoRTH is developing new guidelines for ambulances, including advanced equipment for quicker rescue operations.

Gadkari's statements reflect a critical need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement to reduce the high rates of road traffic fatalities in India.