Rajasthan Patrika, September 1, 2025
By Pradeep Mehta
Summary of the Op-ed Article
India’s urban transport system is facing a serious road-safety crisis, with speeding responsible for nearly 68% of road fatalities. Human bodies can tolerate only limited impact forces, yet speed limits in most cities do not reflect this reality. Current rules still prioritise vehicle movement over human safety, even though vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and two-wheeler riders constitute the majority of victims. The article stresses that safety must become a core element of urban mobility planning, not an afterthought.
A key issue highlighted is that India uses outdated, one-size-fits-all methods for setting speed limits. These limits often ignore mixed traffic conditions, varying road designs, diverse vehicle types and the presence of non-motorised users. Although urban roads form just about 8.5% of the national road network, they account for a disproportionately high share of crashes and deaths. Poor compliance with helmet rules, unsafe infrastructure, and inadequate enforcement further amplify this risk for city dwellers.
The article calls for a fundamental policy shift, from a vehicle-centric approach to a people-centric one. It urges the adoption of evidence-based, context-specific speed management, safer road design, and protection for vulnerable road users. Strengthening governance, improving enforcement, and integrating safety into all transport planning processes are essential steps. Ultimately, the article argues that urban transport policy must balance mobility with safety to prevent avoidable deaths and make cities genuinely liveable.
Pradeep Mehta is Secretary General of CUTS International.
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