“I feel embarrassed to show my face at international conferences where road accidents are discussed,” Nitin Gadkari admitted on Thursday, highlighting that he had initially pledged to cut accident rates by half when he assumed office as the Road Transport and Highways Minister.
Speaking during a Lok Sabha discussion about road accidents on Thursday, Gadkari confessed, “I must acknowledge without hesitation that instead of decreasing, accidents have increased.
I feel compelled to hide my face at international conferences when road accidents are being discussed.” He was addressing a supplementary question during Question Hour. The minister emphasized that improvement requires changes in Indian citizens’ behavior, societal transformation, and stronger adherence to legal regulations.
Gadkari revealed that he experienced a severe accident with his family some years back, requiring extensive hospitalization. “I’m thankful to God that my family and I survived.
This gives me firsthand insight into accident trauma.” He identified improper truck parking and poor lane discipline as major accident causes. He mentioned implementing international standards for bus manufacturing in India.
He specified the requirement for emergency hammers near bus windows to facilitate escape during accidents.
Previously, Gadkari revealed that road accidents annually claim 178,000 lives nationwide, with young adults aged 18-34 comprising 60 percent of casualties. He noted that among states, Uttar Pradesh ranks highest, while Delhi leads among cities.
UP recorded over 23,000 fatalities (representing 13.7 percent of total road accident deaths), followed by Tamil Nadu with more than 18,000 deaths (10.6 percent).
Maharashtra reported over 15,000 casualties (nine percent of total fatalities), while Madhya Pradesh recorded more than 13,000 deaths (eight percent). Among cities, Delhi tops with over 1,400 deaths, followed by Bengaluru with 915 fatalities. Jaipur reports 850 road accident deaths.