In a significant step towards improving road safety and reducing traffic-related fatalities, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have announced a nationwide road safety awareness initiative for schools. The decision was taken during a meeting co-chaired by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The initiative aims to expand the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyaan across educational institutions and promote responsible road behaviour among students from an early age. Through the school education system, students will be educated about traffic rules, pedestrian safety, responsible driving practices and the importance of following road safety guidelines.
Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that road accidents and unsafe driving continue to pose serious challenges globally. He highlighted the importance of creating awareness through education and encouraging citizen participation in building a culture of safety.
Nitin Gadkari has consistently stressed that behavioural change is one of the most effective ways to reduce road accidents. India records nearly five lakh road accidents and around 1.8 lakh fatalities annually, making awareness and education critical components of road safety efforts.
By integrating road safety lessons into school-level learning, the government aims to nurture responsible citizens and create long-term positive changes in road usage habits. The initiative is expected to play a vital role in improving public awareness and making Indian roads safer for future generations.
