Govt Plans New Safety Devices for Heavy Commercial Vehicles to Reduce Road Accidents
The alarming rise in road accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles, the Indian government is considering the installation of new safety devices that could be mandatory for trucks and lorries across the country. These devices aim to reduce the risks of driver fatigue, enhance vehicle stability, and ensure safer braking, all critical factors in preventing fatal accidents.
According to Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, the new safety features under consideration include the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, Emergency Braking System (EBS), and Driver Drowsiness Alert and Safety System. Gadkari mentioned that these technologies would play a crucial role in preventing accidents caused by driver fatigue and poor vehicle control, especially on long-distance routes. The consultation process for the implementation of these systems is underway, with inputs being gathered from various stakeholders in the transport industry. Once the consultations conclude, the government plans to release a draft notification to formalise the proposal. If approved, these safety devices will become mandatory for all new heavy commercial vehicles in the country. While the introduction of these devices will be a significant step forward in road safety, there are also discussions around regulating the number of hours a commercial driver can operate a vehicle, possibly limiting it to eight hours a day.
Road accidents involving trucks remain a major concern in India, with approximately 33,000 fatalities occurring annually due to truck-related accidents. The introduction of safety devices aims to address this issue by reducing the likelihood of such accidents, especially those caused by drowsy drivers or vehicles that lose control due to sudden obstacles or adverse conditions. In addition to the safety device initiative, Gadkari announced plans to set up 1,250 driver training schools across the country over the next two years. These centres will provide essential driver training, ensuring that there is a steady supply of well-trained drivers to meet the growing demand. The central government will allocate Rs 4,500 crore for this project, with financial support provided for setting up the centres. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the shortage of skilled drivers, which currently stands at around 2.2 million. The new schools are expected to churn out approximately 2.5 million trained drivers, alleviating a critical challenge in the transportation sector.
In a bid to promote a circular economy in the automotive industry, the government is also focusing on expanding the number of vehicle scrapping centres, aiming to increase the number of such centres from 82 to over 100. This will help streamline the recycling of vehicles and ensure that auto parts are reused in a sustainable manner. Additionally, the government is considering mandating the use of recycled materials by the auto industry, further supporting environmental goals. In a parallel initiative, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is also working on a nationwide scheme for providing cashless treatment to road accident victims. The scheme will cover hospitalisation expenses up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person and will include government and private hospitals. The pilot phase is already operational in select regions, and it is expected to be expanded nationwide based on initial results. In the case of hit-and-run accidents, the scheme will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh per victim. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving road safety and ensuring that infrastructure development goes hand in hand with protection for the citizens who rely on these roads daily. While the implementation of safety devices and improved driver training are crucial, the nationwide roll-out of cashless medical treatment will also offer a lifeline to accident victims in need of immediate care. With these measures, the Indian government is taking steps to address the underlying causes of road accidents and ensure a safer, more sustainable transport ecosystem for all.
