‘Driving schools to create one crore jobs’

India records over five lakh accidents and around 1.8 lakh deaths annually, with 66 per cent of victims aged between 18 and 44 years

Metro India News | new delhi

The government will open driving training centres in 120 aspirational districts and 500 backward blocks in partnership with industry to generate one crore jobs over the next five years, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

Speaking at a Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan event during a conversation with actor Aamir Khan, Gadkari highlighted a shortage of nearly 22 lakh drivers in the country. He said around 200 driving schools have already been opened and the new initiative will expand access in socially, economically and educationally backward regions.

On road safety, Gadkari noted that India records over five lakh accidents and around 1.8 lakh deaths annually, with 66 per cent of victims aged between 18 and 44 years. He said accidents result in a loss of nearly 3 per cent of GDP.

The minister identified five major causes of road accidents, including road design and engineering, automobile engineering, enforcement gaps and human behaviour. He said black spots are being addressed with an investment of Rs 40,000 crore and landslide-prone areas are also being improved.

Highlighting behavioural issues, Gadkari said thousands of lives can be saved by wearing helmets and seat belts, while instances of drunk driving have declined.

Aamir Khan stressed that road safety requires public participation, saying laws alone are not enough unless people follow them. He also suggested making seat belts mandatory for school bus passengers to enhance children’s safety.