World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2025 – Road Safety March in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2025 – Road Safety March in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

by | Nov 23, 2025 | Global Road Safety Initiative, WDR

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2025 – Road Safety March in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Consumer VOICE, Road Safety Network (RSN), and Consumer Guild, Lucknow, marked the World Day of Remembrance (WDR) for Road Traffic Victims 2025 on 17 November in Lucknow with a public march and tribute meet to honour lives lost in road crashes and raise awareness about road safety in Uttar Pradesh. Held under the theme “A Call for Speed Management and a Road Safety Action Plan,” the event highlighted the urgent need for scientific speed management, safer road environments, and a comprehensive State Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. 

Participants gathered for a tribute ceremony, observed a moment of silence, and took a road safety pledge before beginning the march from Pandey Complex to Mohanlalganj Police Station. Senior police officials, including ACP Vikas Kumar Pandey and SHO D.K. Singh emphasised the critical link between speeding and rising road fatalities, while road safety experts called for evidence-based speed limits, stronger enforcement, and integration of RSAP into state-level planning. Active involvement from women’s groups, youth, students, and civic organisations underscored that road safety is a shared responsibility. According to the MoRTH Road Accidents in India 2023 report, Uttar Pradesh recorded 44,534 road crashes and 23,652 deaths—the highest in India—reflecting the urgent need for statewide road safety reforms and safer mobility systems. The march concluded with a unified call to make road safety a community-driven movement and a pledge to support safer speeds, responsible driving behaviour, and policies that save lives.

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Event Highlights

  • Tribute ceremony followed by a road safety march from Pandey Complex to Mohanlalganj Police Station
  • Participants observed a moment of silence and took a road safety pledge
  • Police officials including ACP Vikas Kumar Pandey and SHO D.K. Singh addressed the gathering
  • Road safety experts called for evidence-based speed limits, stronger enforcement, and integration of a strong state road safety action plan (SRSAP)
  • Active participation from women’s groups, youth, students, and civic organisations
  • Placards displayed messages such as “Slow Speed, Safe Roads” and “Reduce Speed, Save Lives”

This WDoR reminds us that every life matters. With collective commitment and safer road practices, we can build a future where every journey is a safe one.

Cyclothon in Bhopal Calls for Strong Speed Management & Road Safety Action Plan in Madhya Pradesh

Cyclothon in Bhopal Calls for Strong Speed Management & Road Safety Action Plan in Madhya Pradesh

by | Nov 22, 2025 | Global Road Safety Initiative, WDR

Cyclothon in Bhopal Calls for Strong Speed Management & Road Safety Action Plan in Madhya Pradesh

To mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR 2025), the Road Safety Network (RSN), Consumer VOICE, and NCHSE organized a Cyclothon in Bhopal to honour lives lost in road crashes and raise awareness on the urgent need for scientific speed management and a comprehensive State Road Safety Action Plan in Madhya Pradesh. Held under the theme “A Call for Speed Management and a Road Safety Action Plan,” the Cyclothon underscored the increasing risk faced by vulnerable road users (VRUs)—pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. Former DGP Mr. Arun Gurtoo flagged off the event from the NCHSE premises, where around seventy cyclists rode through key city routes carrying messages like “Slower Speeds, Safer Roads” and “Protect Lives: Reduce Speed.” Participants from citizens’ groups, fitness clubs, students, and civic organisations reinforced that road safety is a shared responsibility.

According to MoRTH’s Road Accidents in India report, Madhya Pradesh recorded 55,327 crashes and 13,798 deaths in 2023, and 56,327 crashes and 14,791 deaths in 2024, with over-speeding being the major cause—highlighting the need for safer speed limits, scientific traffic regulation, and stronger enforcement. Speakers including Dr. Pradip Nandi (DG, NCHSE) and Mr. Ashim Sanyal (CEO, Consumer VOICE—message read out) stressed the importance of integrating scientific speed models, such as those developed by IIT Kharagpur, into MP’s road safety planning. Mr. Gurtoo reminded participants that “behind every statistic is a family that has lost someone they love,” calling for more such public-awareness events across the city.

The event concluded with certificate distribution and a collective pledge to continue promoting the message “Remember. Support. Act.” and to make speed management a people’s movement for safer roads across Madhya Pradesh.

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Key Highlights

  • Cyclothon organized under the theme “A Call for Speed Management and a Road Safety Action Plan.”
  • Flagged off by Former DGP of Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Arun Gurtoo.
  • Seventy-plus cyclists participated with messages promoting safe speeds.
  • MoRTH data shows rising crashes and deaths due to speeding in MP.
  • Experts emphasised integrating scientific speed models and strong enforcement.

The Cyclothon reaffirmed that road safety begins with each one of us. By choosing safe speeds and supporting evidence-based policies, we can prevent tragedies and protect future generations

Stakeholders’ Consultation on Strengthening Road Safety in Madhya Pradesh through Speed Management GuidelinesBhopal, 23rd September 2025

Stakeholders’ Consultation on Strengthening Road Safety in Madhya Pradesh through Speed Management GuidelinesBhopal, 23rd September 2025

by | Sep 29, 2025 | Global Road Safety Initiative, MoRTH report data MP

Stakeholders’ Consultation on Strengthening Road Safety in Madhya Pradesh through Speed Management GuidelinesBhopal, 23rd September 2025

A stakeholders’ consultation was held at MPT Lake View Hotel, Bhopal, to strengthen road safety in Madhya Pradesh. Organized by RSN (Road Safety Network) partners IIT Kharagpur and Consumer VOICE, with local coordination by NCHSE Bhopal, the consultation primarily focused on the adoption of Speed Management Guidelines to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries caused by speeding.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Consumer VOICE, NCHSE Bhopal, IIT Kharagpur, Global Health Advocacy Incubator, PWD, NHAI, Rural Road Development Authority, Urban Administration and Development, MANIT Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Road Development Limited, Police Training and Research Institute, and the Transport Department.

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Shri Ashim Sanyal, COO & Secretary of Consumer VOICE, opened the consultation, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative action to address the rising trend of road crashes in Madhya Pradesh. Prof. Bhargab Maitra (IIT Kharagpur) presented the Speed Management Guidelines recently adopted in West Bengal, highlighting science-based approaches such as safe speed audits and safe corridors, and outlined opportunities for Madhya Pradesh to build upon existing initiatives.

Shri Vivek Sharma, IPS, Transport Commissioner, Madhya Pradesh, expressed full support for adopting these guidelines in the state, underscoring the importance of defining clear goals and ensuring effective enforcement of speed limits. He also requested a draft MoU on Speed Management Guidelines from Consumer VOICE and IIT Kharagpur to facilitate further collaboration.

The workshop, coordinated locally by NCHSE, represents a significant step toward implementing effective speed management practices in Madhya Pradesh. Stakeholders committed to coordinated action, scientific approaches to speed management, and collective efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries. A press note was issued by the Transport Department on 24th September 2025, highlighting the positive outcomes of the consultation.

Media Coverage:

Workshop on Sustainable Consumption for Consumers

Workshop on Sustainable Consumption for Consumers

by | Sep 27, 2025 | gaw 25, GAW workshops 25

Workshop on Sustainable Consumption for Consumers

Consumer VOICE as part of Green Action Week activities conducted a walk-in one-day workshop at Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, on 25th September 2025 to educate consumers on the urgent need to address greenwashing and sustainable consumption habits. The workshop was to target consumers from various sections of society to promote informed choice making and environmentally friendly habits as an integral part of daily life.

The morning session was taken by Shri Ashim Sanyal, COO & Secretary, Consumer VOICE. He described the idea of “Right to Repair” and discussed greenwashing practices—the deceptive methods adopted by companies to look environmentally-friendly but actually not making any true changes. He also explained the current guidelines and tips on how consumers can identify and not fall prey to greenwashing practices.

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During the course of the day, over 40 consumers enthusiastically interacted with the Consumer VOICE core team consisting of Ms. Rinki Sharma and Ms. Ekta Purohit. The team engaged with the participants, cleared misconceptions, and offered real-time tips on embracing sustainable lifestyles.

To encourage green shopping, reusable green bags made by Consumer VOICE were made available both at the office and outside in society, furthering the message of minimizing the use of plastic and adopting sustainable options. For this purpose local RWA (Residents Welfare Association) helped in the distribution of the bags.

The workshop was received with avid participation, demonstrating consumers’ increasing passion for safe and responsible consumption and sustainability.

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Why Madhya Pradesh Needs Urgent Speed Management Frameworks

by | Sep 22, 2025 | Global Road Safety Initiative, MoRTH report data MP

Why Madhya Pradesh Needs Urgent Speed Management Frameworks

Madhya Pradesh is grappling with a severe road safety crisis, with overspeeding emerging as the single biggest threat. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) 2023 report, the state recorded 55,327 road accidents, contributing 11.5% of India’s total and ranking second only to Tamil Nadu. Tragically, 13,798 people lost their lives in these crashes, representing 8% of the national total of 1,72,892 fatalities. This marks a rise from 13,427 deaths in 2022.

Overspeeding is the primary cause behind this alarming trend. In 2023 alone, Madhya Pradesh reported 44,592 overspeeding-related accidents, leading to 11,380 deaths and injuring over 30,000 people. In effect, nearly four out of five crashes in the state are caused by speeding, highlighting the urgent need for stronger interventions.

Why Speed Kills: The Science Behind the Crisis

Research consistently proves the deadly link between speed and crash severity. For every 1 km/h increase in speed, the risk of a crash with injury rises by 3%, while the risk of fatal crashes rises by 4–5%. A WHO study found that a car occupant involved in a crash at 80 km/h is 20 times more likely to die than one at 30 km/h.

As Professor Bhargab Maitra of IIT Kharagpur explains, “When a car’s speed increases from 30 km/h to 80 km/h, the likelihood of death in a crash increases 20-fold.” These figures underline why speed management is not just a matter of enforcement but of survival.

State-Specific Challenges in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh faces unique challenges that compound the dangers of speeding. Narrow roads crowded with mixed traffic—ranging from cars and trucks to two-wheelers, cyclists, and pedestrians—make conditions especially hazardous. Industrial, commercial, and residential traffic often jostle for the same space, while poor lane discipline, slow-moving vehicles, and unauthorized motor vehicles further increase risks. These systemic issues demand a Safe System Approach that acknowledges human vulnerability and promotes shared responsibility.

Learning from West Bengal: A Case Study in Speed Management

West Bengal provides a strong example of how scientific speed management can work. Facing nearly 6,000 road fatalities annually, the state partnered with IIT Kharagpur to implement a Speed Management Framework. Roads were categorized by function and safety profile, with speed limits scientifically set between 25 km/h and 80 km/h.

This initiative—supported by transport, health, police, and other departments—was designed to save thousands of lives by ensuring speed limits matched real-world conditions. The collaborative effort reflects the Safe System principles, where reducing speed directly reduces fatalities, even when human error occurs.

For Madhya Pradesh, adopting a similar approach could be transformative. With overspeeding accounting for the majority of road deaths, a scientifically designed speed management system could drastically reduce fatalities.

The Way Forward

The rising toll of road crashes in Madhya Pradesh highlights an urgent need for policy-backed speed management. Conducting safe speed audits, enforcing realistic speed limits, and raising public sensitization on the dangers of speeding are immediate steps that can save lives.

As advocacy groups like Consumer VOICE emphasize, speed management is not merely about restricting vehicles—it is about protecting lives. With decisive government action, informed by scientific evidence and successful models like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh can move closer to the national target of halving road fatalities by 2030.

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