New Delhi, 30 June (H.S.): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said road safety remains one of the Government of India's highest priorities, with comprehensive measures being implemented to reduce accidents and save lives. He noted that India records the highest number of road accident fatalities in the world, describing the situation as a matter of serious concern.

Addressing an event organised by Uber in New Delhi, Gadkari announced that people who help road accident victims reach hospitals will no longer face police questioning or legal complications. He said Good Samaritans assisting injured persons will also receive financial incentives. In addition, the government will bear medical expenses of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the treatment of road accident victims at any hospital.

The minister said India witnesses nearly 500,000 road accidents every year, resulting in approximately 180,000 deaths. He added that these accidents cause an estimated economic loss of around three percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Gadkari, nearly 66 percent of those killed or injured in road accidents belong to the 18-34 age group. He said road crashes not only claim lives but also leave many survivors permanently disabled.

Gadkari said road safety is built on four key pillars—road engineering, vehicle engineering, enforcement, and public awareness—with road engineering being the most critical. He said black spots on highways and landslide-prone stretches in hilly regions have been identified across the country, and the government is spending Rs 50,000 crore to rectify these hazardous locations. He added that underpasses and other road infrastructure are being upgraded to international standards.

The minister also said strict vehicle quality and technical standards are being enforced to improve road safety. He noted that modern technology is being used to strengthen enforcement of traffic rules, while continuous public awareness campaigns are encouraging citizens to adopt responsible road behaviour.

Gadkari stressed that ensuring road safety is not the responsibility of the government alone. He said meaningful reductions in road accidents can only be achieved through collective public awareness, responsible behaviour, and active participation from every section of society.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar