India has 17 crore vehicles on the roads
Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has underlined the need to get best global practices for road engineering projects by giving priority to entities having joint ventures with international consultants.
Gadkari said his department has spent Rs.40,000 crore to identify the most accident prone ‘black spots’ on highways in efforts to improve road safety.
India witnesses the highest number of road accidents in the world. Also the number of fatalities at 1.5 lakh a year is the highest, he said, adding that road safety is his top priority.
“I used to insist on Swadeshi (indigenous) and Indian DPR (Detailed Project Report) makers, but I told our secretary yesterday that for improvements in road engineering, we should give priority to those who have joint ventures with international players so that world’s expertise comes with us,” Indian media reports quoted Gadkari as saying on 4 Nov 2022.
The Minister also blamed the high growth in motor vehicles.
“India’s automobile growth is so high… we have 17 crore vehicles. A family of three has seven cars in the home. How will the roads be made (to accommodate so many vehicles),” he said.
Gadkari also noted rising problem with parking and people in big cities just keep their cars on the roads.
Further, the Minister outlined that auto engineering, road engineering, education and awareness in people, and emergency help are essential to save lives. fiinews.com
