New Delhi: The Delhi Government on Wednesday announced a comprehensive road safety initiative aimed at reducing road crashes in the national capital by 50% by 2030. The new action plan—focused on safer school routes, stricter enforcement, and upgrades to accident-prone stretches—was approved during the first meeting of the State Road Safety Council held after nearly two years. The meeting was chaired by Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh.
Safe School Zones To Be Introduced In 100 Schools
One of the most significant moves in the action plan is the rollout of Safe School Zones in the first phase across 100 government and private schools. These designated zones will include redesigned pedestrian crossings, enhanced road signage, speed-calming measures, and trained volunteers to assist during school hours.
Officials noted that the initiative comes in response to a troubling rise in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Delhi, particularly those involving schoolchildren.
Zero Tolerance Zones Planned On Ring Road, Outer Ring Road
To address high-risk accident corridors, the Council has approved the creation of Zero Tolerance Zones along major stretches such as the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and areas under NDMC jurisdiction. These corridors will feature:
- Clearly marked bus lanes
- Strict enforcement of lane discipline
- Continuous monitoring by Delhi Traffic Police
The city currently operates 47 AI-based cameras, and officials said the government will work with IIT Delhi to identify more vulnerable points for automated surveillance.
18 Accident Black Spots To Be Fixed On Priority
The Council also reviewed 18 recognised accident black spots across Delhi and instructed departments to accelerate corrective measures. Authorities cited improvements at locations like Delhi Gate and ISBT Kashmere Gate, where better road design and signal coordination have already helped reduce risks.
The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Traffic Police have been directed to submit monthly progress reports.
Greater Awareness For Victim Support Schemes
The meeting further evaluated several victim-support initiatives, including:
- Cashless Treatment Scheme
- Hit and Run Compensation Programme
- Rah-Veer Good Samaritan Scheme
Departments have been tasked with increasing public awareness to ensure citizens know how to quickly access emergency assistance.
Delhi Road Safety Summit Proposed For 2026
Looking ahead, the Council proposed hosting a Delhi Road Safety Summit in 2026, which would bring together experts, enforcement agencies, urban planners and civil society groups to strengthen collaborative efforts toward safer roads.
Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said the decisions reflect the government’s commitment to “saving lives through coordinated, technology-driven and citizen-centric measures,” adding that citizens can expect visible improvements in the coming months.
Road Accidents On The Rise
According to Delhi Police data, the capital recorded 2,235 road accidents between January and May this year, resulting in 577 deaths and 2,187 injuries. Officials say the latest action plan is designed to address these growing concerns with a multi-layered, data-driven approach.