India recorded 1.72 lakh road fatalities in 2023, accounting for 11% of global road crash deaths, despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicles. The country saw 474 deaths daily, with 4.63 lakh injuries marking a 4% increase from 2022.
Six states – Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan – accounted for 55% of road deaths. Vulnerable users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders, made up 67% of fatalities, with the economic impact reaching 3.14% of India’s GDP.
Transportation experts Dhawal Ashar and Chetan Sodaye from WRI India highlighted the need to prioritize pedestrian safety in urban road design. In Mumbai, while 36% of residents walk or cycle to work compared to 3% using cars, infrastructure development continues to focus on vehicle movement.
Bengaluru has initiated the Suraksha 75 Mission 2023, investing ₹150 crore to improve 75 critical junctions that recorded 123 pedestrian fatalities between 2017-2019. The project, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, includes design services and establishing dedicated cells for implementation.
The experts recommend adopting a ‘Safe Systems Approach’ that shifts responsibility from individual users to include policymakers and road designers. They advocate for features like dedicated pedestrian crossings, cycling lanes, and speed-calming measures.
India has established guidelines through the Indian Road Congress Codes and city-specific frameworks like UTTIPEC and Tender SURE. However, implementation requires enhanced capacity building among city engineers and increased community involvement in road safety initiatives.
The push for safer road design comes as urban areas face increasing pressure to balance the needs of various road users, from pedestrians to commercial vehicles, while addressing the country’s concerning road safety statistics.
Disclaimer: Dhawal Ashar is the Head of Sustainable Cities and Transport at WRI India. Chetan Sodaye is the Program Manager, Sustainable Cities and Transport at WRI India. Authors’ views are personal.