The Supreme Court-monitored High-Power Committee on Road Safety has directed the Maharashtra government to intensify enforcement of helmet and seat belt regulations across the state. The directive follows alarming statistics showing that two-wheeler riders and pedestrians account for nearly 70% of road accident casualties in Maharashtra.
The panel, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, met with the Chief Secretary earlier this week to review compliance with national road safety norms. During the meeting, the committee underscored the state’s responsibility to ensure the compulsory use of helmets by both riders and pillion passengers, and seat belts for all vehicle occupants. Officials confirmed that full compliance must be achieved within six months. A state circular issued after the meeting mandated that all municipal corporations allocate 1% of their annual budgets to road safety and awareness programmes. For instance, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with an annual outlay exceeding ₹74,000 crore, will now earmark more than ₹740 crore specifically for road safety initiatives.
The committee also expressed serious concern about the uneven implementation of helmet rules beyond Mumbai and parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Many smaller towns and rural stretches reportedly display poor compliance, despite high accident rates. “The directives of the Supreme Court are binding. Any lapse in implementation will invite strict scrutiny,” a senior government official said. To enhance pedestrian safety, departments have been instructed to audit and upgrade road infrastructure, including footpaths, zebra crossings, and foot overbridges, particularly around schools, temples, and railway stations. The government also plans to introduce GIS mapping, camera-based monitoring, and an online complaint portal to track encroachments and poor road conditions.
In a broader move towards accountability, the panel has called for action against contractors responsible for poorly designed or inadequately maintained roads that contribute to accidents. It also urged local authorities to adopt data-driven strategies for enforcement, including targeted awareness drives and night-time patrols to deter traffic violations. According to official data, Maharashtra recorded 14,565 fatal road accidents in 2024, claiming over 15,700 lives. Between January and September 2025 alone, more than 11,500 fatalities have already been reported. The committee has asked the state to target a 35% reduction in road deaths within the next year.
Experts believe that stronger enforcement, coupled with civic accountability and better-designed streets, can drastically reduce road fatalities. As urban mobility continues to evolve, Maharashtra’s ability to balance safety, infrastructure, and sustainable transport will be central to building safer, more liveable cities.
Also Read: Swiggy Launches Crew Lifestyle App Across Key Metro Cities In India
