Uttarakhand: Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Harsh Malhotra, that road safety awareness is not just a campaign but a nationwide movement requiring responsible behaviour from every citizen. He made these remarks while flagging off the 3rd edition of the Uttarakhand Adventure Ride organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Safer Roads
The Minister reiterated the government’s strong commitment to improving road safety under the leadership of Narendra Modi and guidance of Nitin Gadkari.
He noted that while India has made significant progress in expanding and modernizing road infrastructure, ensuring safety ultimately depends on the collective responsibility of road users.
Uttarakhand Adventure Ride Promotes Awareness
Praising the initiative by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malhotra said the Uttarakhand Adventure Ride effectively combines:
- Adventure tourism
- Public awareness campaigns
The event brought together riders from the Armed Forces, government bodies, corporates, and the biking community, amplifying the message of safe driving across diverse audiences.
Road Accidents Remain a Major Concern
Highlighting the scale of the issue, the Minister revealed:
- Around 1.8 lakh deaths occur annually due to road accidents in India
- Nearly 45% of fatalities involve two-wheelers
He urged citizens, especially the youth, to act as road safety ambassadors and adopt responsible driving practices.
4E Strategy: India’s Road Safety Framework
Harsh Malhotra emphasized the Ministry’s 4E Strategy, which forms the backbone of India’s road safety efforts:
- Engineering – Improving road design and fixing black spots
- Enforcement – Strengthening laws like the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
- Education – Spreading awareness among citizens
- Emergency Care – Enhancing post-accident response systems
Citizen-Centric Schemes to Save Lives
The government has introduced key initiatives to improve emergency response:
- PM RAHAT Scheme
- Rah-Veer Scheme
These programs encourage citizens to assist accident victims promptly, helping reduce fatalities and strengthen support systems.
Youth Engagement Key to Long-Term Change
The Minister stressed the importance of educating young people through:
- Interactive sessions
- Awareness campaigns
- Community outreach programs
He said instilling responsible driving habits early is essential to building a culture of discipline on roads.
Strong Message on Responsible Driving
Malhotra issued a clear call to action for all road users:
- Avoid riding without helmets
- Do not overspeed
- Never use mobile phones while driving
- Prevent underage driving
He reinforced his message with impactful statements:
- “Helmet is not a choice, it is protection.”
- “Speed is not power, it is risk.”
- “Life is important—no call is more urgent than safety.”
Technology Playing a Key Role in Road Safety
The Minister highlighted the growing role of advanced technologies in improving road safety:
- AI-based traffic monitoring systems
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
- Automated enforcement mechanisms
- FASTag for seamless mobility
However, he emphasized that technology alone is not enough without responsible human behaviour.
Collective Responsibility for Safer Roads
Concluding his address, Harsh Malhotra called on citizens to take a collective pledge to follow traffic rules and spread awareness.
He that road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring continuous cooperation between the government, institutions, and the public to create safer roads across India.
