Law enforcement authorities plan to use artificial intelligence and other technologies to monitor traffic violations and impose penalties, according to Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari.
Efforts to identify traffic violations through AI and other innovative methods will allow authorities to enforce penalties accurately, says Gadkari.
The Union minister highlighted the need for improvements in road engineering, emphasising the use of the latest global technologies. He expressed a keen interest in collaborating with Indian startups and engineers who are innovating in this area.
Gadkari noted that road safety cannot be achieved without integrating advanced engineering solutions, enforcement of laws, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. He underscored the alarming statistics of road accidents in India, noting that the country experiences around 5 lakh accidents each year, resulting in numerous fatalities. He highlighted that more than half of these casualties are in the age group of 18-36 years. The economic loss due to road accidents is estimated at 3% of the country's GDP, he said. He stressed that improving road safety is a top priority for the government, and measures are already underway to address this issue.
The Union minister also outlined plans for upgrading toll collection methods, including the exploration of satellite-based toll systems, which would improve efficiency and ensure transparency in toll collection. Gadkari expects Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based electronic toll collection to plug theft and leakages, thereby increasing toll revenue by ₹10,000 crore. Around 75% of toll revenue in India comes from trucks and commercial vehicles while only 25% comes from cars. Two-wheelers in India are exempt from toll.
Highlighting the ministry's approach to enhancing road safety, Gadkari shared that the government has decided to appoint experts from the private sector to collaborate on developing technological solutions. A dedicated expert committee will evaluate proposals from startups and industry leaders, ensuring that the best ideas are implemented. The committee has been directed to finalise its evaluations within three months, aiming for rapid improvements in the sector.
The Minister emphasised the government's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, particularly in the use of surveillance technology like cameras. He assured that quality and standards would not be compromised, regardless of whether solutions come from large or small companies. Gadkari encouraged small firms with innovative technologies to participate in government tenders, stressing the importance of cost-effectiveness while maintaining profit margins without exploitation.
Gadkari highlighted the importance of collaboration between the road and transport sectors to create integrated solutions. He expressed confidence that by using the best technologies, India can achieve transparency, reduce costs, and significantly enhance road safety. The Union minister called upon all stakeholders—government, private sector, and startups—to come together in addressing the urgent issue of road safety in India.
