The discussions focused on strengthening interventions across the four pillars of road safety—engineering, enforcement, education and emergency care. The Chairman of National Highways Authority of India briefed members on ongoing initiatives to improve safety on national highways, followed by a presentation from the Additional Secretary (Transport) highlighting progress, challenges and the need for new interventions. The Secretary, Road Transport & Highways, also outlined the development of AI-enabled road safety technologies in collaboration with IIT Kanpur.
Committee members expressed concern over the persistently high number of road accidents and fatalities and called for a comprehensive approach combining better engineering, public awareness and stronger enforcement. Key issues raised included rectification of black spots, widening of select highway stretches, availability of trauma care facilities, enhancement of compensation for accident victims, road maintenance, and improved coordination with state governments. Suggestions were also made to identify landslide-prone locations on the lines of black spots, improve road markings and signage, include road safety in school curricula, establish a Centre for Road Safety, and ensure at least one trauma centre in each district.
Responding to the deliberations, the Union Minister informed the Committee that the Department of Telecommunications has allocated the 30 GHz radio frequency band for the development of vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems. He said this technology would play a critical role in reducing road accidents and fatalities by enabling real-time communication between vehicles.
The Minister added that road safety considerations are being integrated into Detailed Project Reports and directed regional officers and project directors of MoRTH and NHAI to participate regularly in district-level road safety committee meetings. He also stated that AI-based road safety applications would be shared with states and union territories for wider adoption.
During the meeting, the Minister showcased the Road Safety Anthem, now translated into 22 regional languages, and urged members of parliament to promote its use in schools and public forums. Reiterating the Government’s commitment to saving lives, he called upon all stakeholders to continue dedicated efforts towards building safer road infrastructure across the country.
