Nitin Gadkari Attributes Rising Road Accidents to Faulty Designs and Lack of Accountability
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently emphasized that faulty project reports and road designs contribute to rising road accidents in India. He called for improved accountability in road engineering and urged the construction industry to adopt better practices and technologies. With an alarming death toll from road accidents, the government aims to reduce fatalities by 50 percent by 2030 while learning from international standards.
On Thursday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attributed the rising number of road accidents in India to substandard detailed project reports (DPRs) and inadequate road designs by civil engineers and consultants. Speaking at the Global Road Infratech Summit & Expo (GRIS), he emphasized the urgent necessity for improved road safety measures.
Gadkari stated, “Most of the road accidents happen in the country due to small civil mistakes, faulty DPRs and nobody is held accountable”. He urged the road construction sector to implement strategies that enhance safety, incorporating newer technologies and sustainable materials.
He expressed concern over the poor quality of road signage and marking systems in India, suggesting that lessons can be learned from countries such as Spain, Austria, and Switzerland. Furthermore, Gadkari criticized the quality of DPRs in India, attributing poor planning and design to engineers, which he believes is a significant factor contributing to road accidents.
In 2023, India recorded 180,000 fatalities due to road accidents. The government has set an ambitious target to cut road accident numbers by 50 percent by 2030, with road safety identified as a top priority. K K Kapila, president emeritus of the International Road Federation (IRF), also spoke at the event, noting that by emphasizing safety in all aspects of road design and management, the summit aims for a future with minimal road accidents and ideally, zero fatalities.
In summary, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has highlighted the critical issues of faulty project reports and road designs as major contributors to India’s road accidents. He stressed the importance of accountability, better engineering practices, and learning from international standards to reduce road fatalities significantly. The government’s target of halving road accidents by 2030 reflects a commitment to enhancing road safety in the country.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
