Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has called for greater public participation in making India’s roads safer, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility between the government and citizens. Addressing a road safety event in New Delhi, the minister highlighted the need for responsible driving habits alongside continued infrastructure improvements.
Gadkari said the government has identified accident-prone black spots and landslide-vulnerable stretches across the country and has undertaken improvement works worth nearly ₹50,000 crore. These initiatives include better road engineering, improved signage, lane markings and construction of underpasses to meet international safety standards.
While highlighting the government’s commitment to safer highways, the minister emphasised that infrastructure alone cannot prevent accidents. He urged motorists to strictly follow traffic rules by avoiding overspeeding, wearing helmets and seat belts, maintaining lane discipline and refraining from using mobile phones while driving. According to him, responsible road behaviour can significantly reduce accidents and save lives.
The government’s ongoing efforts aim to create a safer road network through engineering improvements and awareness initiatives. However, Gadkari noted that meaningful change can only be achieved when every road user actively contributes to road safety by adopting disciplined driving practices.
The minister’s appeal reinforces the importance of collective action in reducing road accidents and building a stronger culture of safety across India. As the country continues to expand its transport infrastructure, public cooperation will remain a crucial factor in ensuring that roads become safer for all.
