The Geneva-based International Road Federation (IRF), a leading global authority on road safety, has formally proposed a comprehensive partnership with India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to strengthen and advance the national Road Safety Audit Certification framework. This strategic initiative, announced on Monday, marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to reducing road fatalities and improving infrastructure safety standards.
Working in collaboration with its India Chapter (IRF-IC), the international body responded to MoRTH’s October communication, which emphasized the urgent need to enhance professional standards and protocols in road safety auditing across the nation. This partnership aims to establish a unified, internationally recognized certification system that aligns India’s road safety practices with global best practices.
Alarming Road Accident Statistics Drive Reform
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated when examining India’s road safety crisis. According to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), road accidents in 2023 claimed over 1.73 lakh lives and left 4.47 lakh people injured across the country. These staggering figures represent not just statistics, but families devastated and communities impacted by preventable tragedies.
Particularly concerning is the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders, who accounted for nearly 46 percent of all road accident victims. This demographic pattern underscores the need for specialized road safety auditing expertise that can identify and mitigate risks specific to India’s diverse transportation landscape. The economic impact of these accidents extends beyond immediate losses, affecting national productivity and healthcare systems substantially.
K.K. Kapila, President (Emeritus) of IRF and Founder President of IRF-IC, emphasized the critical national imperative for developing a highly skilled cadre of road safety auditors. In his official communication to the Ministry, he highlighted how road crashes continue to extract a devastating toll on human life while inflicting substantial economic losses on the nation’s development trajectory.
International Registry Programme Framework
Global Implementation Success Stories
The cornerstone of IRF’s proposal is its International Registry Programme, a comprehensive initiative designed to develop, recognize, and accredit competent Road Safety Auditors worldwide. This programme has been successfully implemented across multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Tanzania, Turkey, and India, creating a unified global standard for road safety auditing excellence.
The programme’s international success demonstrates its adaptability to diverse road networks and traffic conditions while maintaining rigorous professional standards. By adopting this framework, India joins a prestigious network of nations committed to evidence-based road safety improvements and professional capacity building.
India’s Road Safety Audit Certification Launch
Training and Certification Process
In October 2025, India formally launched the Road Safety Audit Certification Programme with significant institutional support. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in New Delhi and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) in Mumbai provided crucial backing for this groundbreaking initiative.
The inaugural certification programme saw over 40 engineers undergo intensive theoretical and practical assessments based on internationally approved norms and standards. These rigorous evaluations ensured that certified professionals possess both comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for conducting thorough road safety audits. Upon successful completion, participants received the prestigious Certification of Competence, recognizing their expertise in road safety auditing.
Building Professional Road Safety Auditor Cadre
The certification framework follows a structured professional development pathway designed to build expertise progressively. Newly certified professionals initially participate in international audits as Observers, allowing them to learn from experienced practitioners in real-world scenarios. As they accumulate field experience and demonstrate competence, they advance to Team Member roles, taking on greater responsibilities in audit processes.
The ultimate goal is progression to Team Leader positions, where certified auditors can independently lead comprehensive road safety assessments and mentor the next generation of professionals. This hierarchical progression ensures quality control while building sustainable institutional capacity for road safety management.
Future Roadmap for Nationwide Implementation
IRF-IC has emphasized that formal collaboration with MoRTH would significantly elevate both the quality and consistency of road safety audits throughout India. The Federation has formally requested the ministry to facilitate nationwide capacity building by empanelling IRF-IC for conducting Road Safety Audit Certification programmes across all regions.
This partnership promises to establish standardized protocols, enhance professional accountability, and ultimately save thousands of lives through improved road infrastructure design and maintenance practices. The initiative represents a crucial step toward making India’s roads safer for all users, from pedestrians to commercial vehicle operators.
SOURCE : https://ehs.distilinfo.com/2025/12/02/india-advances-road-safety/