Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has called for an integrated approach to improve road safety across India by leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the 12th Traffic InfraTech Expo in New Delhi, Gadkari urged collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and startups to address the critical road safety concerns that India faces today. 

In his address, Gadkari highlighted the troubling statistics, revealing that India records around 500,000 road accidents annually, with many fatalities, particularly among the 18-36 age group. Such incidents cause an estimated economic loss of 3% of India’s GDP each year. To mitigate these risks, Gadkari emphasized the importance of using global, cutting-edge technology in road engineering and showed interest in collaborating with innovative Indian startups and young engineers. 

He emphasized that the path to safer roads requires advanced engineering solutions, robust law enforcement, and the adoption of AI-driven technology. Gadkari discussed the potential of AI in identifying traffic violations, helping authorities apply accurate penalties and improve enforcement practices. 

The minister also announced plans to upgrade toll systems, exploring satellite toll collection for efficiency and transparency. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to set up an expert committee to evaluate and implement solutions from startups and industry leaders. This committee will be responsible for assessing proposals within three months to fast-track improvements. 

Gadkari stressed the government’s commitment to upholding high-quality standards, particularly with surveillance technology, to ensure effective law enforcement. He welcomed smaller firms with cost-effective yet impactful solutions to participate in government tenders, emphasizing that while innovation is key, profit margins should not lead to exploitation. 

Encouraging collaboration between the road and transport sectors, Gadkari expressed confidence that with advanced technologies, India can enhance road safety, reduce costs, and promote transparency. He also commended participants in research and development efforts for raising Indian industry standards to an international level, underscoring their contributions to the nation’s progress. As India seeks to improve road safety, Gadkari’s call for unity among stakeholders marks a step towards fostering innovation and strengthening transportation infrastructure for a safer, more connected future.