Gadkari calls for road safety to be built into highway planning from the outset

New Delhi – In a statement reported by The Statesman, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stressed that road safety should be a core component of highway planning and design rather than an after‑thought. He argued that embedding safety measures at the project conception stage can significantly lower the number of traffic fatalities on India’s expanding road network.

Gadkari highlighted that many recent highway projects have focused primarily on speed and capacity, often overlooking critical safety features such as median barriers, proper signage, and pedestrian crossings. He urged the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to revise existing guidelines to make safety considerations mandatory from the earliest feasibility studies.

The minister’s remarks come as India continues to grapple with a high road‑death toll, ranking among the world’s worst in terms of traffic fatalities. By integrating safety into the design phase, the government aims to curb this trend and align with international best practices.

The statement did not detail specific policy changes but indicated that forthcoming project manuals and tender documents will reflect the new safety‑first approach. Stakeholders, including state road authorities and private contractors, are expected to adapt to the revised standards.

Analysts view Gadkari’s call as a timely intervention that could reshape infrastructure planning and improve road‑user protection across the country.