Road deaths hit 12.02 per 100,000 people in 2023 — a 30-year high. Over 173,000 lives were lost, with two-wheeler riders forming nearly half of all fatalities
Speeding and careless driving remain the main causes. Weak enforcement and limited behavioural change continue to undermine road-safety efforts
Road safety gets only ~₹595 crore in 2025-26, while maintenance receives ~₹4,595 crore — far below recommended norms, worsening road conditions and risks
Mixed traffic, poor pedestrian facilities, and slow emergency response raise fatality rates. Lack of crossings, footpaths, and trauma care increases vulnerability
Safer roads require strict enforcement through tech: speed cameras, e-challans, AI tracking. Mandatory audits, better engineering, and stronger licensing norms matter
Regular vehicle-fitness checks, safer highway design, and targeted fixes for accident-prone spots are essential to reduce preventable deaths
Government, states, and citizens must prioritise safety. No journey justifies risking lives; without realignment, mobility gains will carry an unacceptable human cost