Nitin Gadkari Emphasises Safety as Top Priority in Road Construction to Reduce Fatalities

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the urgent need to prioritise road safety in India due to the increasing number of accidents and fatalities. Speaking at an event in Raipur, he emphasised that safety must be the top priority when constructing roads. Gadkari expressed personal accountability, stating, "If anyone dies in an accident due to road engineering fault in the future, then I will guilty for it."

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Gadkari urged government engineers to consider leaving their positions to establish companies focused on creating detailed project reports (DPRs). He assured them of prioritised work opportunities. Addressing the Indian Roads Congress session, he announced several road projects for Chhattisgarh, envisioning a road network comparable to America's within two years.

Focus on Road Safety and Engineering

Gadkari stressed the importance of improving road and automobile engineering to reduce accidents. He noted that defective DPRs have been a significant issue. The minister highlighted that 1.68 lakh deaths occur annually due to road accidents, with 60% of victims aged 18 to 34 years. He urged engineers to build roads free from engineering defects.

The minister also pointed out that no tenders should be issued without thoroughly examining DPRs. He reiterated that road safety should be paramount to prevent fatalities. Gadkari mentioned ongoing efforts to address shortcomings in engineering practices.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development

Gadkari advocated for waste-to-energy technologies, particularly in agriculture-heavy regions like Chhattisgarh. He encouraged the production of CNG and bitumen from paddy straw, which could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb pollution. The Central Road Research Institute and the Indian Institute of Petroleum have developed bio-bitumen from paddy straw, already used in Meghalaya.

The minister explained that paddy straw could constitute up to 35% of bitumen production. India's bitumen demand is 90 lakh metric tonnes, while refineries produce only 40-50 lakh metric tonnes, necessitating imports. Gadkari suggested that Chhattisgarh's production of bitumen from stubble would be a "waste-to-wealth" initiative.

Future Prospects for Energy Independence

Gadkari mentioned ongoing projects in Punjab and Haryana for producing bio-CNG and bio-LNG from paddy straw. He proposed that if Chhattisgarh adopts similar initiatives, it could eliminate the need for petrol and diesel in the state. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India.

The minister's remarks underscore the critical need for robust infrastructure development to achieve this vision. By focusing on innovative solutions and prioritising safety, India can work towards reducing road accidents and enhancing energy independence.