Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies to improve road safety while addressing the 12th Traffic InfraTech Expo in New Delhi. He called for innovative solutions and greater collaboration with startups to address the rising number of accidents in India, which sees approximately 5 lakh accidents annually, with a significant portion of fatalities occurring in the 18-36 age group.
Gadkari underscored the pressing need for improved road engineering and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed that road safety can only be achieved through a combination of advanced engineering, stringent law enforcement, and the use of emerging technologies. The Minister highlighted the potential of AI to enhance traffic management and enforcement, such as identifying violations and improving toll collection systems, including the potential shift to satellite-based tolling.
To drive technological innovation, the Ministry has decided to involve private sector experts and startups in developing new safety measures. A dedicated committee will review proposals from industry leaders, with a three-month deadline to present solutions. The initiative aims to ensure that only the best and most cost-effective technologies are adopted, without compromising quality or standards.
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Gadkari encouraged small firms to participate in government tenders, emphasizing the importance of cost efficiency while maintaining profitability. He concluded by emphasizing collaboration between all sectors—government, private, and startups—to collectively address the critical issue of road safety and ensure that India meets international standards through innovation and transparency.
