"Sweden and India share a strong commitment to addressing critical challenges that shape a safer and more sustainable future".
With the rapid development of roadways and highways across India, improving road safety has become a critical priority for the government. As part of ongoing efforts to address this challenge, the government is focusing on three key solutions: enhanced infrastructure, behavioural change, and stronger enforcement. In alignment with these priorities, Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India's development in a positive manner. One of the key areas of cooperation is road safety, and to further this agenda, Business Sweden India recently introduced the Vision Zero India Program in New Delhi.
Drawing inspiration from the success of the global Vision Zero Program, spearheaded by Trafikverket, Sweden’s national transport agency, the initiative aims to significantly reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries. Vision Zero’s core belief is that road traffic deaths and injuries are preventable. The Vision Zero India Program seeks to build a coalition of informed and committed stakeholders who will drive forward road safety reforms in the country and support the global objective of reducing traffic fatalities by 2030. The ambition of the program is to promote capacity building, raise awareness about road safety, and foster industry collaboration under one unified platform.
In addition to the program launch, Swedish company Autoliv, a global leader in automotive safety, introduced a comprehensive report titled Road Safety in India. This report consolidates valuable insights and actionable recommendations from Indian and international experts, providing a roadmap for enhancing safer mobility in India. The report aims to serve as a valuable tool for all stakeholders working towards making roads safer for all.
Ram Raj Meena, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, graced the event with his presence and offered valuable insights. He emphasized the government's commitment to improving road safety outlining the four essential pillars of the government’s strategy: education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency care. These four pillars, often referred to as the "4 E’s", form the foundation of India’s approach to road safety.
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Advancing Road Safety in India”, which brought together thought leaders and experts from both Indian and Swedish sectors. The panel offered diverse perspectives on how to address the ongoing road safety crisis, which claims nearly half a million lives every year in India. Discussions focused on sharing knowledge, best practices, and actionable insights to mitigate the growing concern of road fatalities in India.
The Vision Zero India Program marks a significant step towards collaborative efforts between India and Sweden in creating safer road environments. By combining international expertise with local knowledge, the initiative is set to make an enduring impact on the country’s road safety landscape. As India continues to build and expand its road networks, such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that road safety evolves in tandem with infrastructure development.
This collaborative initiative between India and Sweden is poised to be a key driver of change, creating a safer, more sustainable road traffic system for the future.
Sofia Hogman, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to India mentioned in her media post. "We stand encouraged by the participation of Ram Raj Meena, who emphasized the government’s efforts towards the four E’s: public education, road & automobile engineering, enforcement of laws, and emergency care."
"Road safety is not just a policy priority – it is a human imperative. In India, where road fatalities are a pressing concern, there is an opportunity to adapt proven approaches and develop solutions tailored to the local context. This report consolidates insights and recommendations from Indian and international experts, offering actionable pathways to enhance safer mobility." mentioned Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India in his message on the released report.
He added, "Sweden and India share a strong commitment to addressing critical challenges that shape a safer and more sustainable future. Drawing on Sweden’s pioneering spirit of innovation, demonstrated by initiatives such as Vision Zero, our collaboration on road safety highlights the potential to save lives and make meaningful change."
About Autoliv's report 'Road Safety in India".
Established by Autoliv in 2018, the Joint Working Group for Road Safety in India brings together road safety experts with a vision to reduce road traffic fatalities in India. In 2020, the group presented a list of recommendations to the Transport Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari at the 3rd UN Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, aligning with the launch of the 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safety. Minister Gadkari appreciated the collaborative efforts and insightful report.
In 2024, Autoliv reconvened the group to update recommendations based on India’s progress. This current report, prepared in conjunction with the 4th UN Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, serves as a supplement to the original report, reflecting the ongoing commitment to enhancing road safety in India.
"Cross-sector collaboration is essential for effective road safety improvements, aligning private sector innovation with societal benefits and leveraging technology for meaningful change. The Advisory Joint Working Group brings together various stakeholders in India and has an important role in driving change in India." Stated Mikael Bratt President and CEO, Autoliv in his message.
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