The central government has announced plans to set up driving schools across the country in partnership with the private sector over the next five years, promising to create one crore jobs through the initiative. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said these schools will be established in 120 socially and economically backward districts and 50 blocks. He made the announcement during the ‘Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan’ event held in Delhi on Thursday.
Highlighting the current driver shortage, Gadkari noted that India needs 22 lakh drivers nationwide and that the government has already opened 200 driving schools. The initiative aims to address this gap while improving road safety and promoting employment opportunities.
Gadkari also expressed concern over road accidents, citing over five lakh incidents annually that result in around 1.8 lakh deaths. He attributed most accidents to poor road design, engineering flaws, deficiencies in automobile engineering, gaps in law enforcement, and human behavior. He emphasized the need for greater respect and adherence to traffic laws to reduce accidents and enhance safety on Indian roads.