West Bengal has taken a significant step in enhancing road safety by developing and implementing a scientific speed management guideline, with support from IIT Kharagpur. This initiative marks the state as the first in India to adopt such a measure, aligning with the World Health Organization“s Safe Systems approach and the United Nations” Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030).
In conjunction with these guidelines, the Kolkata Police has launched the “Mind the Gap” campaign. This initiative promotes the three-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance, addressing issues related to tailgating and escalating road rage incidents. The campaign has positively influenced the overall safety conditions in Kolkata”s municipal areas.
Moreover, West Bengal has actively targeted identified accident-prone areas, commonly referred to as blackspots, and has updated its list based on recent accident data, adhering to protocols set by various road-owning authorities. All relevant departments have been encouraged to conduct timely road safety and bridge audits, ensuring prompt interventions following surveys of accident sites.
In hilly regions and near water bodies, crash barriers are being installed to mitigate fall-related fatalities. Similar measures are being implemented at other identified hazardous locations. The state has also introduced sustained traffic calming measures across major highways to promote road discipline and reduce the frequency of road crashes.
Under the Setu Bharatam project, 22 railway overbridges (ROBs) and underbridges (RUBs) have been constructed in West Bengal, aimed at eliminating dangerous railway crossings and enhancing safety outcomes. Public awareness initiatives, including camps, pledges, and rallies, have been organized to educate citizens about road safety. Special focus has been placed on students, incorporating road safety education into their learning experience.
Significant community involvement has been observed, with events like the World Day of Remembrance for Road Victims bringing together police, NGOs, and local communities. In recent years, Darjeeling has hosted over 900 awareness events under the “Safe Drive, Save Life” initiative, which has transformed into a comprehensive governance strategy.
Furthermore, police have adopted rehabilitative strategies, counseling reckless youth bikers and encouraging them to become safety ambassadors. In 2024, a notable percentage of road accident fatalities in India involved pedestrians, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure that prioritizes non-motorized users. Initiatives such as refuge islands, boom barriers, and pedestrian signals have been implemented to reduce pedestrian fatalities.
The state”s flagship Sabuj Sathi scheme has distributed over 1.5 crore bicycles, promoting road safety awareness and contributing to environmental sustainability. Advocacy for dedicated cycling lanes has intensified, as studies indicate bicycles are more efficient than motor vehicles in congested areas. Despite the prevalence of two-wheeler-related fatalities across India, West Bengal is emphasizing helmet usage among riders.
Post-crash care is also a critical component of the state”s road safety strategy. Plans are in motion to integrate ambulance networks with Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) data for quicker dispatch in emergencies. A centralized control room will coordinate trauma care services, enhancing the response to road accidents.
West Bengal has made significant strides in reducing road accident fatalities. In 2016, the state recorded 17,704 accidents and 7,118 fatalities, which dropped to 13,400 accidents and stabilized around 6,100 fatalities by 2024, in contrast to the rising national figures. This success is attributed to targeted interventions and comprehensive enforcement strategies.
To achieve the ultimate goal of zero fatalities, West Bengal must extend the successful enforcement model of Kolkata to rural areas, enhancing police capacity and digital monitoring. Key measures include universal technological oversight, accelerated license suspensions for traffic violations, prioritizing vulnerable road users, and improving infrastructure such as pedestrian refuge islands and cycle tracks.
The “Safe Drive, Save Life” campaign has evolved into a model of effective governance, demonstrating that consistent enforcement can yield tangible results. As West Bengal continues its commitment to road safety, it stands as a potential national example in preventing road-related fatalities and building a safer mobility environment.
