A meaningful shift in India’s approach to road safety
This article reviews the impact of India's 2019 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act on road safety five years after its implementation. It notes that while the legislation introduced necessary reforms, road fatalities remain high, highlighting the need for better enforcement and behavioral change.
Why it matters
Road safety is a critical public health and infrastructure issue in India, and the analysis underscores the gap between legislative intent and practical outcomes.
On September 1, 2019, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act came into force, marking a defining moment in India’s pursuit of safer roads. Enacted to address long-standing gaps in the country’s road safety framework, the legislation sought to offer stronger protection to every road user — from pedestrians and cyclists to motorists and commercial drivers.
Each anniversary of the Act offers more than an occasion to look back at a piece of legislation. It presents a checkpoint — a moment to candidly assess the distance covered, acknowledge where implementation continues to lag, and chart the course ahead.
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