The Government of India has been honored with the prestigious Prince Michael Decade of Action Road Safety Award for its efforts in enhancing vehicle safety standards over the past decade. Key achievements recognized include the introduction of the New Car Safety Assessment Program and making Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) mandatory in all newly manufactured two-wheelers in the country.

Award Presented at Marrakech Conference

The global road safety award was presented at the fourth Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in Marrakech. India shared this honor with Morocco, which was also recognized for its contributions to road safety.

Strategies to Reduce Global Road Accidents by 50% by 2030

Transportation leaders from around the world participated in the Marrakech conference to develop strategies aimed at reducing global road accidents by 50% by 2030.

India Receives the Award

Ajay Tamta, the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, accepted the award on behalf of the Government of India from WHO's Etienne Krug. While reading the award citation, Tamta highlighted significant policy changes initiated after the independent crash tests of Indian cars in 2014.

India's Expanding Road Network

As a result, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways presented a revised framework for vehicle safety standards. According to official figures, this prestigious global award is significant as India's national highway network has increased by 60% in the last 10 years, growing from 91,287 kilometers in 2014 to 146,195 kilometers in 2024, making it the second-largest road network in the world.