Syllabus (UPSC/APSC): GS Paper II – Governance, Accountability & Institutional Reforms; GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Road Safety, Disaster Management

Why in the news?
Two horrific bus fires in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, claiming over 50 lives within days, have once again exposed India’s crumbling road safety system — where documents are perfect, but enforcement is hollow. Despite rapid highway expansion, accidents continue to rise, highlighting deep gaps in governance, accountability, and coordination.

The Alarming Reality

As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH):

• 4.8 lakh accidents and 1.72 lakh deaths were recorded in 2023 — around 474 fatalities per day.
• The World Bank estimates that road crashes cost India 3–5% of GDP, exceeding the national health budget.
• Most victims are aged 18–45, the most economically productive group.

The Tragic Trigger Events

• A Hyderabad–Bengaluru sleeper bus caught fire near Kurnool (Oct 24, 2025), killing 25 — the bus had illegal modifications and blocked exits.
• Another bus fire on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur route killed 27 due to unauthorised AC fittings.
• Two more major collisions in Rajasthan and Telangana added 35 more deaths.

Despite having “valid” permits and certificates, these vehicles violated multiple safety norms — showing how paper compliance replaces physical enforcement.

A System of Broken Checks

• Fitness certification often issued without real inspection.
• Governance is fragmented across MoRTH, NHAI, state transport, and local bodies.
• No integrated database linking violations, permits, insurance, and driver history.
• Conflict of interest: State transport departments issue permits and also investigate accidents.

Note: The Sundar Committee (2007) recommended a National Road Safety Board — still pending effective implementation.

Assam’s Road Safety – Key Data (2019–2023)

• 36,820 accidents and 15,163 deaths.
• In 2023: ~7,421 accidents and 3,296 deaths.
• Accident severity: 44.4 deaths per 100 accidents (national average: 36).
• Assam ranks 2nd among NE states in death-rate per lakh population (8.52 in 2022).

Key Issues in Assam

• Poor highway maintenance (NH-27, hilly routes).
• Weak enforcement of vehicle fitness and permits.
• Overspeeding, overloading, wrong-side driving common.
• Slow emergency response and trauma care gaps.
• Fragmented governance across police, transport, and PWD.

Why Enforcement Fails

• Illegal modifications in buses go unchecked.
• Untrained drivers and overworked operators.
• Lack of fire safety equipment and emergency exits.
• Delayed ambulance response loses the golden hour.

The Road Ahead: Reform Through Enforcement

• Create a National Road Safety Authority with statutory powers.
• Use independent third-party agencies for vehicle fitness certification.
• Mandate fire suppression systems and non-flammable interior materials in public transport.
• Set up crash investigation teams with engineers and forensic experts.
• Link state funding to reduction in fatalities and emergency response efficiency.
• Awareness campaigns in schools and workplaces to change behaviour.

Relevant Frameworks & Initiatives

• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 – Stricter penalties and safety fund provisions.
• National Road Safety Policy (2010) – Focused on enforcement and emergency care.
• Good Samaritan Law (2016) – Protects bystanders who help crash victims.
• Brasilia Declaration (2015) – India’s commitment to reduce deaths by 50% by 2030.

Exam Hook – Key Takeaways

• 474 deaths/day in India due to road accidents.
• Road accidents cost 3–5% of GDP.
• Failures stem from weak enforcement, not lack of laws.
• Need for National Road Safety Authority + real-time monitoring.

Possible UPSC/APSC Mains Question:

“India’s expanding highway network has outpaced its safety governance mechanisms. Critically examine the causes of rising road fatalities and suggest institutional reforms for improving road safety.”

One-line wrap:
India’s roads mirror its development — but unless safety becomes as non-negotiable as speed, every milestone will continue to be written in blood.