The Bengal road safety Supreme Court plan represents a landmark intervention in urban governance. In January 2026, the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, chaired by retired Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urging immediate action on five critical areas: pedestrian safety, helmet enforcement, wrong‑lane driving, unsafe overtaking, and misuse of lights/hooters. The letter emphasised time‑bound measures, audits, and public awareness campaigns to reduce accidents and fatalities.
2. Pedestrian Safety – The Urgent Priority
- Pedestrians account for nearly 40% of fatal accidents in Bengal over the past five years.
- Encroachments and obstructions force jaywalking, especially in Kolkata.
- The committee directed the state to conduct pedestrian infrastructure audits in compliance with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines.
- Audits must identify deficiencies in footpaths (width, height, surface) and recommend remedial measures.
- Priority areas: locations with pedestrian injuries/deaths in the last 2–3 years.
3. Helmet Enforcement
- Despite campaigns, helmet compliance remains inconsistent.
- The committee urged stricter enforcement, especially for pillion riders.
- Suggested public dashboards displaying real‑time violations to raise awareness.
- Helmets are critical in reducing head injuries, which account for a majority of road fatalities.
4. Bengal Road Safety Supreme Court Plan: Wrong‑Lane Driving
- Wrong‑lane driving has become a menace in Kolkata, particularly on flyovers and arterial roads.
- The committee recommended awareness drives and strict penalties.
- Kolkata Police already runs the “Safe Drive Save Life” campaign, but violations persist.
- Public dashboards and CCTV monitoring could help deter offenders.
5. Unsafe Overtaking
- Overtaking without lane discipline contributes to collisions.
- The committee urged stricter monitoring at accident‑prone stretches.
- Suggested road engineering improvements like signage, lane markings, and speed‑calming measures.
6. Misuse of Lights and Hooters
- Vehicles often use unauthorised lights and sirens, creating confusion and danger.
- The committee directed enforcement against such misuse.
- Only emergency vehicles should be allowed special hooters/lights.
7. Governance Challenges
The road safety plan reflects:
- Coordination gaps between police, municipal bodies, and road‑owning agencies.
- Weak enforcement despite campaigns.
- Public apathy towards rules.
- Infrastructure deficiencies in footpaths and crossings.
8. Government External Links for Assistance
- Supreme Court of India: https://main.sci.gov.in
- Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: https://morth.nic.in
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
- Kolkata Police: https://kolkatapolice.gov.in
9. Historical Context of Road Safety in Bengal
- 2014: Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety established.
- 2015–20: “Safe Drive Save Life” campaign launched in Kolkata.
- 2021–25: Pedestrian fatalities remained high despite awareness drives.
- 2026: Committee’s intervention signals urgency for systemic reform.
10. Community Impact
- Families of victims demand stricter enforcement.
- Commuters welcome audits of footpaths and crossings.
- Motorists express frustration at congestion caused by jaywalking.
- Civil society groups call for inclusive urban design prioritising pedestrians.
11. Global Comparisons
Similar road safety interventions worldwide:
- London: Pedestrian audits and “Vision Zero” plan to eliminate fatalities.
- Singapore: Strict helmet enforcement and jaywalking penalties.
- New York: “Safe Streets” programme with redesigned crossings.
Kolkata’s case mirrors these global efforts where urban safety requires engineering, enforcement, and education.
12. Governance Lessons
The Supreme Court plan teaches:
- Audits must be time‑bound and transparent.
- Public dashboards can build accountability.
- Community engagement ensures compliance.
- Judicial oversight accelerates stalled reforms.
13. Future Outlook – Urban Mobility in Bengal
India must move towards:
- Smart traffic systems with AI‑based violation detection.
- Universal design footpaths accessible to elderly and disabled.
- Integrated campaigns combining enforcement with education.
- Regional planning to reduce congestion and improve safety.
14. Conclusion
The Bengal road safety Supreme Court plan is more than a directive—it is a blueprint for safer urban living. By focusing on pedestrians, helmets, lane discipline, overtaking, and misuse of lights, the committee has identified Bengal’s most pressing road safety challenges. For policymakers, the lesson is clear: road safety requires coordinated action, transparent audits, and a cultural shift towards responsibility.
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