Thu Feb 12 06:40:35 UTC 2026: # AAP MP Demands National Road Safety Laws Amid Rising Accident Fatalities

The Story:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has submitted a zero-hour notice in the Rajya Sabha, seeking a discussion on the urgent need for strong national laws and accountability for road safety across India. His notice comes amid a concerning rise in road accidents and fatalities attributed to potholes and poor road maintenance nationwide. He highlighted the alarming statistics from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Road Accidents in India – 2023 report, emphasizing the need for accountability from contractors, project managers, and government officials.

Key Points:

  • Sanjay Singh submitted a zero-hour notice in the Rajya Sabha on February 11, 2026, demanding discussion on national road safety laws.
  • The notice cites the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ 2023 report, which recorded approximately 4.8 lakh road accidents and 1.72 lakh deaths.
  • In 2023, 2,161 people died due to potholes, a 16.4% increase from the previous year.
  • Uttar Pradesh accounts for more than half of the pothole-related deaths.
  • Singh is demanding a clear accountability framework, including criminal accountability for deaths or injuries caused by unsafe roads.

Key Takeaways:

  • Road safety in India is a growing concern, with a significant increase in accidents and fatalities.
  • Poor road maintenance, particularly potholes, are a major contributing factor to these accidents.
  • There is a lack of accountability for those responsible for road maintenance and safety.
  • The AAP is attempting to leverage this public safety issue to push for stronger national laws.
  • The data presented suggests a systemic problem that needs national-level attention and potential reform in infrastructure project execution and oversight.

Impact Analysis:

The push for national road safety laws could have significant long-term implications:

  • Increased Accountability: Potential legislation could lead to stricter penalties for negligence in road construction and maintenance, forcing contractors and government officials to prioritize safety.
  • Improved Infrastructure: Increased scrutiny and legal ramifications could incentivize better road design, construction, and maintenance practices.
  • Victim Compensation: Stronger laws could facilitate faster and more equitable compensation for victims of road accidents and their families.
  • National Standards: Establishing national standards for road safety could ensure consistency and uniformity across states, reducing regional disparities in safety levels.
  • Political Impact: Success in enacting such laws could significantly boost the AAP’s image as a champion of public safety and governance.

    Read More

Related News: