Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for making faulty road construction a non-bailable offence, emphasizing the need for stringent accountability among contractors and engineers to enhance road safety in India.
India’s Alarming Road Accident Statistics
India continues to grapple with a high number of road accidents, with the National Crime Records Bureau reporting over 155,600 fatalities in 2021. The majority of these accidents are attributed to factors such as over-speeding, driving under the influence, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Gadkari’s Proposal for Stricter Accountability
Addressing a session at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event, Gadkari emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to reduce road accidents and fatalities. He proposed that faulty road construction be classified as a non-bailable offence, holding contractors, concessionaires, and engineers accountable for accidents resulting from poor infrastructure.
Government Initiatives to Enhance Road Safety
In addition to the proposed legal reforms, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented several measures to improve road safety:
- Doubling the Defect Liability Period: The government has extended the defect liability period for contractors of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects from 5 to 10 years. This initiative aims to ensure better quality roads and holds contractors accountable for maintenance over a longer period.
- Target to Halve Road Accident Fatalities by 2030: The ministry has set an ambitious goal to reduce road accident fatalities by 50% by 2030, aligning with commitments under the Stockholm Declaration. This objective underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing road safety through various initiatives.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. In 2024, the first half of the year saw a slight decrease in road accident deaths by 8%, indicating a positive trend. However, the need for continuous improvement remains critical. Implementing stricter accountability measures, such as classifying faulty road construction as a non-bailable offence, is a significant step toward ensuring safer roads for all.
By holding contractors and engineers accountable, the government aims to deter negligence and promote the construction of safer, more durable road infrastructure. These measures are expected to contribute significantly to the overarching goal of reducing road accidents and fatalities in the country.
