Faulty Project Reports and Poor Designs Blamed for Road Accidents in India
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attributes rising road accidents in India to faulty DPRs and poor designs. He emphasizes accountability and urges the road construction industry to adopt advanced safety measures. With a target to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030, he calls for learning from countries with better road safety. K K Kapila supports a focus on safety in road management to achieve zero fatalities.
On Thursday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attributed the rising incidence of road accidents to faulty detailed project reports (DPRs) and poor road designs produced by civil engineers and consultants. Speaking at the Global Road Infratech Summit & Expo (GRIS), he emphasized the imperative for enhanced road safety measures across the nation.
Gadkari stated that a large number of road accidents are attributable to minor civil engineering errors and the lack of accountability for defective DPRs. He implored the road construction industry to formulate strategies that incorporate innovative technologies and sustainable materials for construction to bolster road safety.
He also criticized the inadequate quality of road signages and marking systems in India, encouraging a learning approach from nations like Spain, Austria, and Switzerland. The minister specifically pointed out that the poor quality of DPRs is a major factor in the increase in road accidents, significantly implicating engineers in this issue.
With an alarming statistic of 180,000 fatalities in road accidents reported in 2023, Gadkari declared the government’s objective to halve this number by 2030, asserting that road safety should be a national priority. K K Kapila, president emeritus of the International Road Federation (IRF), echoed similar sentiments, advocating for an unwavering commitment to safety in every facet of road design, construction, and management, aspiring towards a future with zero fatalities in road incidents.
In conclusion, Minister Nitin Gadkari has identified faulty DPRs and poor road designs as significant contributors to increasing road accidents in India. He has stressed the necessity for accountability and enhanced road safety measures, including the adoption of innovative technologies. With ambitious goals set to reduce road fatalities by 2030, it is imperative for the construction industry to prioritize safety in all projects. Emphasizing international best practices may also aid in achieving these objectives.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
