ETV Bharat Interview | Road Safety Must Not Go Astray: IIT Kharagpur Professor Bhargav Maitra

Published: January 7, 2026 at 2:15 PM IST

Hyderabad: Roads are not merely pathways for vehicles; they are essential for the safety of everyone who uses them. In an insightful interview with ETV Bharat, Professor Bhargav Maitra from IIT Kharagpur emphasized the critical need for improved road safety measures. He argued that road accidents can be significantly reduced if roads are designed with all users in mind and if traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

The Current State of Road Safety in India

Professor Maitra, a member of the Road Safety Network (RSN), highlighted that India has one of the highest rates of road accidents globally. He identified several primary factors contributing to this alarming statistic:

• Excessive Speed: Speeding is the leading cause of road accidents. In 2023, it accounted for nearly 68% of road accident fatalities.
• Lack of Basic Safety Facilities: Many roads lack essential safety features such as footpaths, safe crossings, and proper signage.
• Weak Enforcement of Traffic Rules: The ineffective enforcement of traffic regulations exacerbates the problem.

The Vulnerable Road Users

Professor Maitra pointed out that pedestrians and cyclists are the most affected by unsafe road designs. Many roads do not have adequate footpaths or dedicated lanes for cyclists, forcing them to share space with fast-moving vehicles. This situation is particularly dangerous and has resulted in pedestrians and cyclists accounting for nearly 67% of road accident deaths in India.

He emphasized the necessity of designing roads that include separate and safe lanes for these vulnerable users, which could significantly reduce the number of accidents.

Challenges in Road Safety Responsibilities

While driver behavior is a significant challenge, Professor Maitra stressed that improving road engineering and strengthening enforcement are equally important. He noted that effective enforcement connects safe road design with responsible driver behavior. In areas with strong enforcement, people are more likely to adhere to speed limits and wear safety gear such as helmets and seat belts. Conversely, weak enforcement leads to increased accidents, even on well-constructed roads.

Engineering and Design Considerations

Modern roads are often designed for high-speed vehicles, which can create additional risks. Professor Maitra pointed out several issues:

• Many national highways lack service roads for local traffic, resulting in dangerous interactions between fast and slow vehicles.
• Poor visibility at intersections and uncontrolled entry from smaller roads contribute to serious accidents.
• Narrow road dividers due to land constraints can lead to accidents at turns and U-turns.

To address these issues, accident-prone locations, known as black spots, can be identified using guidelines from the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. If accidents occur repeatedly at a location, it indicates underlying infrastructure problems that need to be addressed.

Utilizing Technology for Road Safety

Professor Maitra explained that IIT Kharagpur is employing machine learning and spatial analysis to scientifically identify and rectify these black spots. He also addressed the common misconception that better roads lead to more accidents. High-quality roads can encourage speeding, which necessitates the incorporation of speed control measures into road design.

Furthermore, traffic regulations should be enforced not only by police but also through technological means such as cameras and sensors. This dual approach can foster a greater sense of responsibility among road users.

The Good Samaritan Law

Another significant aspect discussed by Professor Maitra was the Good Samaritan law, which aims to protect individuals who assist accident victims. Unfortunately, awareness of this law remains low, with a study by SaveLIFE Foundation indicating that 84% of Indians are unaware of its existence. Many individuals hesitate to help due to fear of legal repercussions.

The Road Safety Network is actively working with NGOs, civil society groups, and activists to raise awareness and support policy reforms related to road safety.

Recommendations for Improved Road Safety

Professor Maitra shared several recommendations for enhancing road safety in India:

• Implementing child safety measures in road design.
• Establishing speed control measures to prevent excessive speeding.
• Developing strong state-level action plans to address road safety issues.
• Amending the Motor Vehicles Act to incorporate modern safety standards.

He reiterated that achieving safer roads is only possible when engineering, enforcement, technology, and public responsibility work in harmony.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Bhargav Maitra’s insights shed light on the pressing need for comprehensive road safety measures in India. By addressing the root causes of road accidents and fostering a culture of responsibility among all road users, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on an interview with Professor Bhargav Maitra and reflects his views on road safety in India.