Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari delivered a urgent appeal for improved road engineering and safety measures during his address at the 84th annual session of the Indian Roads Congress in Bhubaneswar on Friday. The minister highlighted the alarming statistic that 420 people die daily in road accidents across India, with approximately 66% of victims being young people.
The Human Cost of Road Accidents
Gadkari expressed deep concern over the high percentage of youth fatalities in road accidents, emphasizing the need for immediate action. "We should reduce accidents by focusing on road safety," he stated, revealing that the government has prepared a special budget specifically for road safety initiatives.
The minister directly addressed engineers, contractors, and officers, urging them to be more sensible in their approach to road engineering. "There should be no mistake in road engineering. Several accidents are happening due to faults in preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Those involved in constructing the road do not rectify issues and take them lightly," Gadkari emphasized.
Comprehensive Safety Measures Announced
Gadkari outlined multiple strategies to combat the rising accident rates. He specifically requested professionals to identify and rectify black spots on roads, noting that "Your initiatives and sensibility can save many lives on the road."
The minister stressed the importance of pedestrian safety in road design. "While designing roads, think about pedestrians. People walking on the road should not be run over by vehicles," he said, highlighting the need for better junctions and clear signage installations.
In a significant move to encourage public assistance, Gadkari announced that the Centre provides Rs 25,000 to individuals who transport accident victims to hospitals immediately. Additionally, up to Rs 1.5 lakh is available for treatment of accident victims, and police will not interrogate those who help accident victims.
Broader Infrastructure and Governance Reforms
Addressing the IRC members, Gadkari emphasized the need for ownership, quality commitment, transparency, and a corruption-free system. He highlighted the importance of environmental protection and suggested using waste products for road construction.
The minister encouraged government staff to embrace innovation despite fear of setbacks, stating that "good intentions should allow for experimentation beyond conventional methods." He also underscored the importance of honesty and swift decision-making in infrastructure projects, noting that delays are unhelpful.
Gadkari pointed out that while financial audits are important, performance audits are crucial for ensuring high-quality outcomes in road construction projects.
Odisha's Road Development Plans
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi utilized the platform to request central assistance for improving the state's road density. "We prepared the road map for 2036 and 2047. We want to increase the state's road network as part of infrastructure development," Majhi stated.
In response, Gadkari considered the request from Majhi and Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan for sanctioning new projects and funds. The Union Minister committed that Rs 1,000 crore would be provided from the central road fund after receiving a formal proposal from the state government.
The minister concluded by reiterating that "Road safety should be given utmost priority," while also acknowledging that "human behaviour matters the most. Many people do not follow the law. We should make them understand about accidents and traffic rules."
