Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has stressed the urgent need for proper education and training for drivers of heavy vehicles and construction equipment, warning that India currently lacks a mandatory training provision for them.
Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Gadkari said improving driver training was essential to strengthening road safety and preventing accidents involving commercial vehicles and heavy machinery.
Heavy vehicle drivers need better training
Gadkari said a large number of drivers need to be properly educated about safe driving practices, particularly those operating heavy vehicles and construction equipment.
He said he had already urged major equipment manufacturers, including JCB India, to introduce formal training programmes for drivers.
The minister suggested that companies should train operators before selling heavy equipment, ensuring they understand how to use the machinery safely and efficiently.
Road deaths remain a major concern
Gadkari’s comments come as the government pushes for stronger safety measures across India’s road transport sector, including tighter standards and advanced driver-assistance systems.
He highlighted the scale of road fatalities in the country, saying 81,780 two-wheeler riders were killed, describing the figure as the highest in the world.
He also cited 14,466 deaths linked to non-use of seat belts and 34,030 deaths in hit-and-run cases.
Several dangerous habits add to the risk
According to Gadkari, wrong-side driving, drunk driving and using mobile phones while driving are among other major factors contributing to road accidents.
The minister said the government was working to increase awareness among all stakeholders involved in road transport and construction.
Better training, he indicated, could play an important role alongside stricter regulations and technological improvements.
Safety must begin before vehicles hit the road
The call for formal training highlights a simple but important aspect of road safety: technology and regulations alone cannot prevent accidents unless drivers are adequately prepared to handle the vehicles and equipment they operate.
With heavy vehicles playing a crucial role in construction, logistics and infrastructure development, ensuring that their operators receive proper training could help improve both workplace safety and road safety across the country.