East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra, inaugurated the pilot project titled 'Safe School Route Zones' (Pankaj Rai)
New Delhi: A new road safety initiative aimed at protecting children during their daily commute to and from school has been launched in East Delhi. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs, and East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra, inaugurated the pilot project titled 'Safe School Route Zones' at Somerville School in Vasundhara Enclave on Monday.
The initiative will initially cover 28 schools across East Delhi, focusing on safer movement around school premises and greater awareness of traffic regulations among students, parents, teachers and motorists. If the pilot project delivers the intended results, authorities plan to extend it across the national capital.
The primary objective of the programme is to make school surroundings safer for children and reduce the risks they face while travelling between their homes and educational institutions.
The initiative also seeks to encourage responsible road behaviour among parents, teachers and vehicle operators while educating students about traffic rules and road safety practices.
Addressing the gathering, Malhotra said India's road infrastructure had expanded significantly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
He highlighted that the country now has a national highway network spanning approximately 1.46 lakh kilometres, reflecting the rapid development of road infrastructure. However, he stressed that infrastructure growth must go hand in hand with the protection of human lives.
Malhotra expressed concern over road accident fatalities in the country, stating that approximately 1.80 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents every year. Of these, nearly 10,000 victims are below the age of 18.
Emphasising preventive measures, Malhotra urged people to follow basic traffic safety regulations, including wearing helmets, using seat belts and strictly preventing minors from driving vehicles.
He said responsible behaviour on roads was essential to protecting lives and building a safer environment for children and other commuters.
The inauguration programme was attended by Arvinder Singh Lovely, Yashpal Kanthura, councillor Munish Dedha and representatives from various schools.
With 28 schools included in the initial phase, the project is expected to serve as a pilot for broader road safety improvements across Delhi. Its proposed expansion will depend on the implementation and outcomes of the initiative.
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