India Loses 3% of GDP Annually Due to Road Accidents, Says Nitin Gadkari:

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has revealed that India suffers an economic loss of 3% of its GDP annually due to road accidents. Speaking at AMCHAM's Technology Interventions for Road Safety: US-India Partnership event in New Delhi, Gadkari underscored the scale and urgency of the road safety crisis in the country.

According to the minister, India reports around 4.8 lakh road accidents each year, resulting in approximately 1.88 lakh deaths, predominantly among individuals aged 18 to 45 years. He also expressed concern over the loss of 10,000 lives annually among children below 18.

"This is not just a transport issue—it's a public health emergency," Gadkari said. "We are losing 3% of our GDP every year due to road accidents," he added, emphasizing the wider economic impact.

The minister attributed a significant portion of the blame to poorly drafted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), citing negligence and cost-cutting measures by consultants. “DPR consultants are the main culprits,” he said, noting that their substandard work compromises road safety.

Government Incentives to Encourage Help for Victims

To promote public involvement in accident response, the government has introduced monetary rewards. Any individual who assists a road accident victim will now be eligible for an award of ₹25,000. Additionally, victims admitted to a hospital can receive up to ₹1.5 lakh for medical expenses, or seven years’ worth of treatment costs, whichever is applicable.

These measures are part of a broader initiative to improve emergency response and reduce fatalities on Indian roads. Gadkari reiterated the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society to address the issue comprehensively.