In a joint consultation with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has expressed grave concern over the alarming number of fatalities occurring near school zones and on Indian roads overall. According to official data, over 10,000 deaths occur annually in front of educational institutions, while 1.8 lakh people lose their lives each year due to road accidents across the country.

Addressing the issue, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, announced a series of impactful reforms and safety initiatives aimed at curbing road accidents and improving emergency response systems.

Key Announcement: Two ISI-Marked Helmets for Every New Two-Wheeler Buyer

As part of a new mandate, all two-wheeler dealerships across India will now be required to provide two ISI-marked helmets with each new vehicle sold. This initiative aims to promote safe driving habits and ensure pillion riders are equally protected.

“A large number of accident fatalities involve two-wheelers. Providing quality helmets is a simple yet powerful step to reduce such tragedies,” said Minister Gadkari.

The Raha Bill: Financial and Medical Aid for Victims

In a landmark move, the government has introduced the “Raha Bill”, a new policy that guarantees 7 days of hospital treatment or up to ₹1.5 lakh in emergency medical expenses for accident victims. The bill is designed to eliminate the critical delay in treatment that often results in fatalities.

Mr. Gadkari reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening road safety frameworks and infrastructure. He emphasized that saving lives is a national priority and called upon citizens to act swiftly during road emergencies.

“We urge all citizens to act responsibly and help accident victims reach hospitals without fear of legal or police harassment,” the Minister said.

Comprehensive Road Safety Initiatives Underway

To further enhance road safety, the Ministry has laid out a series of immediate action points:

Strict Vigilance and Enforcement of Traffic Rules near Educational Institutions:

The government plans to intensify traffic monitoring in school zones to protect young pedestrians and students.

Deployment of Traffic Police Outside Schools:

Adequate police personnel will be posted at school gates during peak hours to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.

Stricter RTO Enforcement:

Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) will ramp up checks to ensure all vehicles on the road are well-maintained and roadworthy.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

A nationwide campaign will be launched to encourage bystanders to assist road accident victims without fear of police questioning, promoting a culture of compassion and urgency.

Media Partnership and Outreach:

The Ministry has called on media outlets to actively highlight government efforts, initiatives, and success stories to increase public awareness and engagement.

This multi-pronged approach comes at a critical time when India’s road network is rapidly expanding but remains burdened by high accident rates. Minister Gadkari, widely regarded as a champion of sustainable and safe infrastructure development, continues to lead reforms aimed at building safer roads, enhancing driver accountability, and saving lives.

“Every life matters. Our goal is not just development, but safe development,” the Minister concluded.

As India advances in infrastructure, the Ministry's proactive stance is a commendable step toward building a safer, more responsible commuting culture. Kudos to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for prioritizing human lives in its roadmap to progress.