Shocking !! 1.5 Lakh Deaths Annually Due To Road Accidents : Nitin Gadkari Expresses Concern

August 3, 2023 : Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari voiced deep concern and remorse during a road safety awareness campaign in Delhi regarding the distressing frequency of road accidents in the country. Gadkari revealed the staggering statistic that the nation witnesses a staggering 5 lakh road accidents annually, leading to a tragic toll of 1.5 lakh lives lost.

Gadkari highlighted a troubling trend wherein 60 percent of these accidents claim the lives of individuals aged 18 to 34, translating to a significant 3.14 percent loss in the nation’s GDP. This issue has significant implications for the country’s economy and overall well-being, as lamented by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari during the campaign.

Addressing this grave concern, Nitin Gadkari also raised an important query in the Rajya Sabha, questioning the need for new technology to enhance the safety of trucks and vehicles on highways and prevent accidents.

In his ongoing efforts to mitigate the occurrence of accidents, Gadkari discussed advancements in safety measures. He acknowledged that accidents are not confined to specific regions, citing hilly areas as examples. Traditional iron crash barriers have given way to innovative solutions, such as the incorporation of a round plastic device into concrete structures.

This ingenious technology ensures that in the event of a collision, trucks do not collapse but rather rebound off the impact.

While the implementation of this technology presents a relatively higher cost, it has proven effective in hilly terrains like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Nitin Gadkari highlighted that experimental trials have already been conducted in certain locations. He is steadfast in his commitment to explore and deploy strategies to minimize accidents, particularly through the adoption of such innovative measures.