This project aims to strengthen road safety legislation, policies, and implementation mechanisms at national, state, and district levels in Tamil Nadu, India. The project focuses on a multi-pronged strategy to influence legislation, enhance institutional mechanisms, and increase public awareness around road safety. Through stakeholder consultations, policy analysis, and advocacy, the project will address critical risk factors, improve legal frameworks, and promote evidence-based recommendations to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities. The initiative also prioritizes strengthening local governance structures such as District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs) and advancing Chennai’s Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) Policy.
Tamil Nadu has one of the highest road crash fatality rates in India. Despite early steps such as the adoption of the Tamil Nadu Road Safety Policy in 2007, the state’s road safety framework now needs significant strengthening. Key gaps persist in legislation, enforcement, and coordination among various agencies. The District Road Safety Committees lack transparency and effectiveness, and the implementation of NMT policies is weak despite increasing pedestrian and cyclist deaths. At the national level, delays in the passage and implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill (MVAB) hinder progress. This project builds on CAG’s past engagement in road safety, leveraging its networks, advocacy experience, and research capabilities to push for stronger policy reform and better governance.
