National Road Safety Council (NRSC)

The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) is a high-level advisory body established by the Government of India to oversee, coordinate, and promote measures for improving road safety across the country. It functions as the principal forum for developing strategies, advising on legislative frameworks, and facilitating inter-ministerial cooperation to reduce road accidents and fatalities. Constituted under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the NRSC serves as an apex body guiding both central and state governments in the formulation and implementation of road safety policies.

Background and Establishment

The origins of the NRSC can be traced to India’s growing concern over road traffic injuries, which have been a major cause of mortality and morbidity since the 1970s. The exponential increase in motor vehicle ownership, coupled with inadequate road infrastructure and weak enforcement of traffic laws, necessitated a coordinated national response. To address this, the National Road Safety Council was constituted under Section 215 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Council was established under the aegis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The NRSC’s composition includes the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways as its Chairperson, representatives from various ministries such as Health, Home Affairs, Education, and Urban Development, along with State Transport Ministers, heads of transport authorities, and experts from fields related to road engineering, traffic management, and public safety.

Objectives and Functions

The core objective of the NRSC is to ensure a reduction in road accidents, fatalities, and injuries through coordinated policy formulation and implementation. The Council provides a framework for developing a National Road Safety Strategy, setting out long-term goals and measurable targets.
Its major functions include:

• Advising the government on road safety policies, programmes, and legislative measures.
• Promoting coordination among central and state agencies engaged in road safety.
• Recommending standards for vehicle design, road construction, and maintenance from a safety perspective.
• Overseeing the implementation of road safety education and public awareness campaigns.
• Monitoring performance of State Road Safety Councils and District Road Safety Committees.
• Encouraging research and data collection related to traffic accidents and safety interventions.

Structure and Composition

The NRSC is structured to include a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The Chairperson is the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, ensuring that the Council’s recommendations have high-level political backing. Key members include:

• Ministers in charge of Road Transport from all States and Union Territories.
• Senior officials from central ministries such as Health, Education, and Home Affairs.
• Representatives from organisations like the Indian Roads Congress, Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Experts in road safety, urban planning, automobile engineering, and enforcement agencies.

The Secretary (Transport) in the MoRTH acts as the Member Secretary of the Council, responsible for convening meetings, maintaining records, and coordinating with state authorities.

Policy Framework and Activities

The NRSC plays a central role in formulating the National Road Safety Policy, which lays down broad principles for safer road design, traffic management, and enforcement. It advises on adopting a “Safe System Approach”, focusing on safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and effective post-crash response.
Among its notable initiatives are:

• Promotion of Road Safety Week, observed annually to raise public awareness.
• Guidance on the implementation of the National Road Safety Action Plan aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.
• Recommendations on vehicle safety norms including airbags, seatbelt reminders, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
• Advocacy for black spot identification and rectification on national and state highways.
• Encouragement of road safety audits and inclusion of safety features in road design and construction projects.

Collaboration with States and Other Bodies

The NRSC functions as a coordinating mechanism linking the central and state governments. It advises states to establish State Road Safety Councils and District Road Safety Committees to ensure decentralised implementation. These bodies mirror the NRSC at local levels and are expected to carry out region-specific safety programmes.
The Council also coordinates with:

• Police and enforcement agencies for stricter implementation of traffic laws.
• Health departments for improved trauma care and emergency response.
• Educational institutions for integrating road safety into curricula.
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector entities for awareness drives and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in road safety.

Legislative and Policy Influence

The recommendations of the NRSC have significantly influenced amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, especially the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which introduced stringent penalties for traffic violations, mandatory insurance provisions, and enhanced safety norms. The Council’s inputs also contributed to the creation of the National Road Safety Board, an independent statutory body focused on scientific and data-driven approaches to road safety.
The NRSC’s emphasis on data-led policymaking has encouraged the establishment of an integrated Road Accident Database Management System (RADMS), aimed at capturing real-time data on traffic incidents for better analysis and intervention.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its pivotal role, the NRSC has faced criticism for its limited enforcement power, as it primarily functions as an advisory body. Implementation of its recommendations depends on the political will and administrative capacity of states. There have also been concerns regarding the infrequency of meetings and inconsistent follow-up mechanisms for evaluating outcomes.
In addition, disparities in road infrastructure, enforcement, and emergency care across states pose challenges to achieving uniform national standards. The Council continues to face constraints in integrating data systems and ensuring accountability among diverse stakeholders.

Significance and Impact

The NRSC’s establishment marks a critical institutional step in India’s commitment to road safety. It has contributed to the adoption of systematic and evidence-based measures aimed at achieving the target of reducing road fatalities by 50%, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.6). Its multi-sectoral approach—encompassing engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency care—reflects the holistic vision required for tackling the road safety crisis.