New Delhi: India is losing 3 per cent of its GDP due to around 5 lakh road accidents annually in the country, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday.

The Minister for Road, Transport and Highways made the remarks while addressing AMCHAM’s event on “Technology Interventions For Road Safety: US-India Partnership” in the national capital.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Gadkari said the most important problem for the country is road accidents. He noted that every year, India witnesses approximately 4,80,000 accidents, resulting in 1,88,000 deaths, predominantly among people aged between 18 and 45 years.

The minister also raised concerns over the loss of young lives, pointing out that around 10,000 deaths annually are of children below 18 years of age.

He emphasized, “It is one of the major public health issues, and the most important thing is that we are losing 3 per cent of GDP because of road accidents.”

Gadkari further cited poor Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) as one of the key reasons contributing to these accidents. He stated, “DPR consultants are the main culprits responsible for the road accidents. Sometimes, due to cost-saving measures, other reasons, and a non-serious approach, these reports are inadequately prepared.”

To encourage public assistance for accident victims, the government has decided to provide an award of Rs 25,000 to any third person who helps a victim of an accident.

Additionally, Gadkari mentioned, “If any patient, by accident or after an accident, is admitted to any hospital, we can provide Rs 1,50,000 maximum or cover up to 7 years of expenditure for their treatment by the doctor.”

These measures aim to improve road safety and support accident victims across the country.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-losing-3-of-gdp-annually-due-to-road-accidents-says-union-minister-nitin-gadkari