UN Road Safety Financing Project in India, Objectives, Need

UN Road Safety Financing Project in India was launched in February 2026 by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) during the visit of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, to New Delhi. The initiative seeks to strengthen financial mechanisms and institutional capacity for road safety in selected Indian states.

UN Road Safety Financing Project in India Need

India accounts for one of the highest numbers of road traffic fatalities globally. Road crashes impose heavy human, social, and economic costs, with estimates suggesting a loss of nearly 3% of GDP annually. In this context, improving road safety is not only a public health priority but also a developmental necessity.

UN Road Safety Financing Project Objectives 

The project aims to support the Government of India in developing a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for road safety financing. It focuses on:

• Strengthening National and State Road Safety Funds.
• Creating coordinated and predictable funding mechanisms.
• Building institutional capacity for planning, budgeting, and monitoring road safety investments.
• Scaling up proven, life-saving interventions across states.
  

UN Road Safety Financing Project Implementation and Funding 

• The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and civil society organisations such as the Save LIFE Foundation.
• Focus States: Initially, the project is being rolled out in four states namely Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam. These states will serve as models for developing sustainable financing systems that can later be replicated across the country.
• A key feature of the initiative is the promotion of innovative and diversified financing tools, including Road safety bonds, Dedicated taxes or levies and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).  Such mechanisms aim to ensure predictable and long-term funding, moving beyond fragmented or ad-hoc allocations.
• The project aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which targets a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries worldwide by 2030. It also reflects commitments under recent UN General Assembly resolutions on improving global road safety.

‹ ›

About United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF)

• The United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) is a global trust fund established in 2018 by the United Nations to support road safety initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 
• Objective: The primary objective of the UNRSF is to help countries develop and implement effective road safety strategies. 
• Aim: It aims to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries, strengthen national road safety laws and policies, support sustainable financing mechanisms and promote safer road infrastructure, vehicles, and user behaviour.
• The Fund focuses on systemic reforms rather than isolated interventions.
• Working Mechanism:  The UNRSF provides grants and technical assistance to governments. It works in collaboration with UN agencies, national governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector. It supports projects related to Speed management, Safe road design, Enforcement of traffic laws, Post-crash emergency care and Institutional capacity building. 

Road Safety Initiatives by Government of India

Road safety has become a major public policy priority in India due to the high number of road accidents and fatalities. The Government has adopted legislative, institutional, technological, and awareness-based measures to reduce road crashes and improve safety standards.

• Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 strengthened penalties for traffic violations, introduced provisions for protection of Good Samaritans, enhanced compensation for accident victims, and promoted electronic monitoring and enforcement. 
• National Road Safety Policy: The National Road Safety Policy provides a framework for improving road safety through better enforcement, road engineering, vehicle safety standards, and public awareness. It emphasises a multi-sectoral approach involving central and state governments.
• National Road Safety Board (NRSB): To advise on road safety standards, accident prevention strategies, and implementation of safety measures across the country.
• National Road Safety Council: It acts as an apex advisory body to guide policy formulation and coordinate road safety efforts between the Centre and the States.
• Black Spot Identification and Rectification: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) identifies accident-prone “black spots” on highways and undertakes corrective engineering measures such as better signage, road redesign, and improved lighting.
• iRAD (Integrated Road Accident Database): The iRAD application collects and analyses road accident data in real time. It helps policymakers understand accident patterns and design evidence-based interventions.
• Good Samaritan Guidelines: To encourage bystanders to assist accident victims, the government introduced Good Samaritan guidelines, providing legal protection and ensuring that helpers are not harassed during legal procedures.
• Awareness Campaigns: The government conducts nationwide awareness programmes on road safety, including observance of National Road Safety Month, promotion of helmet and seatbelt usage, and campaigns against drunk driving.