The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the urgent need for advanced technology and AI in improving road safety at the 12th Traffic InfraTech Expo held in New Delhi on October 24, 2024. 

Addressing the stark reality of road safety, he pointed to the nearly 5 lakh annual road accidents in India, which result in significant fatalities, especially among individuals aged 18-36. Shri Gadkari highlighted the economic impact of road accidents, amounting to 3% of India’s GDP, and reiterated that improving road safety is a national priority.

Innovation and Collaboration for Safer Roads

Shri Gadkari urged integrating global road engineering standards and technology-led solutions to combat these challenges. Emphasizing the role of Artificial Intelligence in traffic management and accident prevention, he announced initiatives for AI-driven law enforcement and real-time monitoring of traffic violations. The Minister invited collaboration with Indian startups and innovators in road safety technology, underscoring his support for involving young engineers and entrepreneurs in reshaping India’s transport safety landscape.

Technology-Driven Law Enforcement

The Minister outlined plans to leverage AI to enhance enforcement accuracy in identifying traffic violations and apply appropriate penalties. These technologies, coupled with a move towards satellite-based tolling systems, are expected to transform toll collection, making it more efficient and transparent. These innovations aim to streamline enforcement, reduce errors, and bolster road safety enforcement practices nationwide.

Road Safety Solutions

The Ministry plans to engage private sector experts to assess road safety innovations from startups and established players alike. A newly formed expert committee will evaluate proposals to implement the most effective solutions within three months. Shri Gadkari reassured that maintaining high standards for surveillance equipment, including cameras, will be a priority, ensuring stringent quality across government procurements.

Opportunities for Startups and Smaller Firms

Shri Gadkari encouraged smaller firms to participate in government tenders. He advocated for inclusive participation and innovation, emphasizing cost efficiency and fair profit margins. He stressed that cost should not compromise quality and encouraged small firms to develop transformative technologies.

A Call for Unified Action in Road Safety

In closing, Shri Gadkari called upon all stakeholders—government bodies, private sector partners, and startups—to unite to address road safety. He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging the best technologies for transparency and efficiency in the transport sector. Shri Gadkari praised the Indian industry’s efforts to meet international standards and encouraged continued collaboration to achieve significant advances in road safety and transparency in the years to come.

Source: PIB