Nitin Gadkari on Road Accidents: ‘I Hide My Face’

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Nitin Gadkari expressed concern over India’s alarming road accident statistics.
2. Over 1.78 lakh people die annually in road mishaps, 60% aged 18-34.
3. Uttar Pradesh records the highest fatalities, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
4. Gadkari blamed poor infrastructure and societal indifference for the crisis.
5. He highlighted cashless treatment and international safety standards to improve the situation.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Nitin Gadkari’s Candid Admission

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari admitted India’s worsening road safety scenario during a Lok Sabha session. “I hide my face at international conferences on road accidents,” he said, revealing his discomfort over the grim statistics. Despite setting a goal to reduce road accidents by 50% in 2014, fatalities have only increased.

Road Accident Statistics

India records 1.78 lakh road deaths annually, with 60% of victims aged between 18 and 34. Uttar Pradesh tops the list with over 23,000 fatalities, followed by Tamil Nadu (18,000), Maharashtra (15,000), and Madhya Pradesh (13,000). Among cities, Delhi leads with 1,400 deaths, while Bengaluru and Jaipur report 915 and 850 fatalities, respectively.

Identified Causes and Recommendations

Gadkari attributed the crisis to poor adherence to traffic rules, inadequate infrastructure, and societal apathy. Improper truck parking and lack of lane discipline were cited as major contributors.

Cashless Treatment Scheme

Gadkari highlighted a NITI Aayog-AIIMS report stating that 30% of accident fatalities result from delayed medical treatment. To address this, a cashless treatment scheme has been introduced, covering medical expenses up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days under vehicle insurance.

Personal Resolve for Safety

Recounting a serious accident involving his family, Gadkari emphasized, “By God’s grace, we were saved. This experience strengthens my commitment to improving road safety.”

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Nitin Gadkari admitted the worsening state of road safety in India.
• India records 1.78 lakh road fatalities annually, with young adults most affected.
• Gadkari urged better infrastructure, strict traffic rule adherence, and societal awareness.
• Initiatives like cashless treatment and safety measures aim to reduce fatalities.

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