Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently made a startling revelation during a session in the Lok Sabha regarding the increasing number of road accidents in India. Despite his efforts to reduce these incidents, he confessed that the country continues to struggle with issues such as lane indiscipline.
The Road Safety Challenge
Speaking during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari said that while high speed is a concern globally, lane indiscipline remains a major issue in India. The Minister stressed the importance of educating youth and children on traffic discipline to address this issue effectively.
Lawmakers' Responsibility
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla supported Gadkari’s views, saying that the Members of Parliament should take the responsibility of educating the public and raising awareness to prevent accidents. Both leaders admitted the critical need for proactive measures to curb road fatalities.
India’s Alarming Statistics
Gadkari drew attention to India’s somber road safety record, noting that the country witnesses 1.78 lakh fatalities annually, with a significant percentage of victims falling in the 18-34 age group. States like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of road accident-related deaths.
Personal Experience of Nitin Gadkari
Sharing a personal anecdote, Gadkari revealed his family’s harrowing experience with a severe road accident, attributing improper truck parking and lack of lane discipline as contributing factors.
“By the grace of God, I and my family were saved. So I have my personal experience of accidents,” the Minister said.
He stressed the importance of adhering to safety norms and traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Global Perspective on Road Safety
Expressing his humility and accountability, Gadkari admitted feeling embarrassed during international conferences where road safety is discussed.
“When I go to attend international conferences where there is a discussion on road accidents, I try to hide my face,” Gadkari said.
He acknowledged the necessity of societal transformation and respect for the rule of law to bring about lasting change in this crucial area.
Government Initiatives for Road Safety
To enhance road safety measures, Gadkari disclosed that CCTV cameras have been installed on roads to monitor violations effectively. The Ministry is also implementing international standards for bus design, such as including emergency hammers near windows.
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