Nitin Gadkari Calls for Advanced Technologies to Improve Road Safety

Nitin Gadkari on road safety: At the 12th edition of the Traffic InfraTech Expo in New Delhi, Union Road Minister Nitin Gadkari stressed the importance of improving road safety through the adoption of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to tackle the rising number of road accidents in India.

Road Accident Statistics and Economic Impact

Gadkari highlighted alarming road accident statistics, revealing that India witnesses around 500,000 accidents annually, with a large number of fatalities, particularly among the 18-36 age group. He stated that the economic loss from these accidents is estimated to be 3% of the country's GDP.

Focus on Road Engineering and Technology

The minister emphasized that improving road safety is a top government priority, calling for advancements in road engineering. He stressed the need to adopt global technologies and collaborate with Indian startups and engineers who are innovating in this field.

Integration of AI for Traffic Enforcement

Gadkari discussed the role of AI in enhancing law enforcement, mentioning the potential of AI and other advanced technologies to accurately identify traffic violations and enforce penalties. He also outlined plans to modernize toll collection methods, including the exploration of satellite-based toll systems to ensure efficient and transparent toll operations.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

The minister assured that the government is committed to maintaining high standards in surveillance technology and encouraged small firms with innovative technologies to participate in government tenders. He emphasized the importance of cost-effectiveness, ensuring that profits are maintained without exploitation.

Collaboration for Road Safety

Gadkari called for collaboration between the road and transport sectors, believing that the use of cutting-edge technologies could lead to enhanced road safety, cost reduction, and transparency in operations. He expressed confidence that by leveraging the best available technologies, India could meet international standards in road safety.

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In his closing remarks, Gadkari thanked the participants for their contributions to research and development, encouraging stakeholders from the government, private sector, and startups to unite in addressing the urgent issue of road safety in India.