Rajasthan will be the very first Indian state to adopt a 10 year road safety action plan, aiming to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030. Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Prem Chand Bairwa announced on July 8 that the plan, supported by a government policy, will raise public awareness and promote compliance with the road safety rules. The World Bank will assist in developing the plan and policy, incorporating global best practices. The plan will be implemented in three stages (2025-2027, 2027-2030, 2030-2033), focusing on speed limits, safe distances, traffic signals, road barriers, pedestrian safety, seatbelts, helmets, and vehicle insurance.
Rajasthan is set to become the first Indian state to adopt a comprehensive 10-year road safety action plan, aiming to cut road accidents by 50% by 2030. Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa announced on July 8 that the action plan will be backed by a government policy designed to raise public awareness about road safety and encourage behavioural changes to ensure compliance with road safety rules. This initiative is a key component of the BJP government's 100-day blueprint.
The Transport Department's road safety cell is currently formulating the action plan. Mr. Bairwa, who oversees the transport and road safety portfolio, highlighted that the World Bank would assist in crafting the plan and policy, leveraging best practices from various countries. The implementation will be phased over three periods: 2025 to 2027, 2027 to 2030, and 2030 to 2033, each focusing on specific safety measures such as speed limits, safe distances, traffic signals, road barriers, pedestrian safety, seatbelt and helmet use, and vehicle insurance.
In a review meeting led by Mr. Bairwa, Additional Commissioner (Transport) Nidhi Singh presented strategies for coordinating among key stakeholder agencies and departments, including Transport, Public Works, Police, Medical & Health, and Forest. This coordination is crucial for the effective implementation of the action plan.
The action plan aims to transform road safety in Rajasthan through a multi-faceted approach. The first phase (2025-2027) will emphasise setting and enforcing speed limits, maintaining safe distances between vehicles, and improving traffic signal systems. The second phase (2027-2030) will focus on enhancing road infrastructure with barriers and ensuring pedestrian safety. The final phase (2030-2033) will promote the use of seatbelts and helmets and ensure comprehensive vehicle insurance coverage.
Mr. Bairwa stressed that the policy's primary goal is to instil a culture of road safety among the public, leading to long-term behavioural changes. By incorporating international best practices and fostering inter-departmental coordination, Rajasthan aims to significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
This landmark initiative represents Rajasthan's commitment to road safety and its proactive approach to addressing a critical public health issue. The collaboration with the World Bank and the comprehensive, phased strategy underscore the state's dedication to creating safer roads for all.
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