Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that road safety education will now be formally integrated into school and college curricula across India in all regional languages. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to inculcate awareness among young citizens at an early stage and create a culture of responsible behaviour on the roads.
The announcement was made during the 7th Edition of the FICCI Road Safety Awards and Symposium 2025, held in New Delhi under the theme “Vision Zero: Life First, Always”. The national-level campaign was symbolically inaugurated at a Central School, marking the start of what the Ministry described as a comprehensive awareness programme targeting youth.
Gadkari underscored the importance of shaping habits early, stating that despite improvements in infrastructure, regulations, and enforcement, the biggest challenge remains changing human behaviour on the road. He said that the most effective way to ensure lasting change is to reach children and young adults through education, training, and awareness.
The symposium also showcased a series of new policy steps and safety measures being advanced by the ministry. Among these is the adoption of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP), designed to enhance vehicle safety standards in line with global benchmarks. Additionally, the enforcement of the Bus Body Code and road safety audits are being strengthened to address structural issues in public transport.
Measures to improve working conditions for commercial drivers were also highlighted. Air-conditioned truck cabins and fatigue detection systems will be made standard, aiming to reduce stress and accidents caused by long hours on the road. These initiatives are intended not only to safeguard truck drivers but also to make highways safer for all road users.
The ministry also outlined awareness initiatives designed to reach every corner of the country. Campaigns featuring cultural icons such as Amitabh Bachchan and musical collaborations led by Shankar Mahadevan have been developed in 22 Indian languages to ensure accessibility and resonance across regions.
Pedestrian safety and inclusivity were other major themes. Gadkari announced that lift-enabled foot overbridges will become mandatory in urban planning to make crossings safer for senior citizens, children, and differently abled individuals. Infrastructure for two-wheelers and scooters is also being promoted to ensure safer shared use of roads in cities with high two-wheeler density.
The government is also expanding the Rah-Veer Scheme, which provides a reward of Rs 25,000 to Good Samaritans who assist victims of road accidents. By incentivising public involvement, authorities hope to encourage quicker response times and lifesaving interventions in emergencies.
In addition, data-driven safety audits will be used to identify high-risk zones, analyse root causes of accidents, and implement targeted corrective measures. The ministry said that these audits will combine technical assessments with citizen inputs to improve outcomes.
A community engagement approach is also being planned. Retired professionals, civil society groups, and volunteers will be encouraged to conduct awareness sessions in schools and colleges, reinforcing the government’s formal curriculum initiatives with local outreach.
The symposium concluded with a call for collective responsibility. Gadkari stressed that while the government is committed to improving infrastructure and regulations, behavioural change and citizen involvement are essential for lasting impact. He reiterated that reducing road accidents requires shared ownership between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public.
By integrating road safety education into classrooms, the ministry aims to ensure that the next generation of drivers, pedestrians, and commuters enter adulthood with a strong sense of responsibility. The initiatives unveiled reflect a combination of technological upgrades, regulatory reforms, and community-driven awareness, all designed to align with the vision of “Zero Road Fatalities”.
