The Indian government is set to introduce district-wise rankings based on safety parameters.
This initiative aims to foster competition among districts to improve road safety measures and reduce accidents. The proposed rankings will evaluate districts on various safety metrics, including the implementation of safe school zones, effectiveness of District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs), and the execution of central schemes like cashless medical treatment for accident victims and incentives for good Samaritans. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will collaborate with NITI Aayog to finalize the evaluation parameters.
DRSCs are expected to play a pivotal role in this initiative. These committees will ensure that safety components are integrated into new road projects and expansions. They will also oversee the implementation of key schemes aimed at providing immediate medical assistance to accident victims and recognizing individuals who assist in such emergencies. Several states have already taken proactive steps towards improving road safety. Maharashtra has allocated ₹150 crore to each district to bolster road safety infrastructure, including the deployment of CCTV surveillance and AI-powered monitoring systems as part of its e-enforcement strategy. Rajasthan has established dedicated Road Safety Task Forces at the district level, aiming to halve road accidents and fatalities by 2030.
Jammu & Kashmir has introduced the Road Safety Policy 2025, which incorporates a comprehensive approach through the creation of a state road safety council and the implementation of a non-motorised transport policy. Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has emerged as a model for urban safety, achieving a 34.5 percent reduction in road accidents in 2022 and earning the top spot among cities with populations exceeding 10 lakh. The government’s plan to rank districts on road safety parameters is inspired by the Swachhata (cleanliness) rankings for cities. By publicly recognizing the best and worst-performing districts, the initiative seeks to motivate local administrations to prioritize road safety and implement effective measures.
This move aligns with India’s broader goal of reducing road accidents and fatalities by 50 percent by 2030. By fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, the district-wise rankings are expected to play a crucial role in achieving this target. The success of this initiative will depend on the active participation of state governments, local authorities, and the public. By working together, India can make significant strides towards safer roads and a more secure transportation environment for all.
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