Telangana: India's First Child Road Safety Plan On!
Concerned over the increasing number of children losing their lives in road accidents, the Telangana government has started work on a dedicated Child Road Safety Action Plan 2030. Officials say the initiative is aimed at making roads safer for school children and young pedestrians across the state.
The programme is being described as the country’s first focused action plan designed specifically for child road safety.
Hyderabad Hosts First Consultation Meeting
A state-level consultation meeting on the proposed plan was held in Hyderabad on Wednesday under the supervision of the Telangana Transport Department.
The meeting was led by Transport Commissioner K. Ilambarithi and organised jointly by the Public Health Foundation of India-Indian Institute of Public Health and UNICEF.
Officials from several departments attended the discussions, including:
Transport Police Education Health Municipal Administration Roads and BuildingsRepresentatives from HMDA, GHMC, NHAI, educational institutions and social organisations also participated in the consultation.
Growing Accident Deaths Raise Concern
Authorities said road accidents remain one of the biggest causes of death and injuries among children and teenagers in India.
According to government data, nearly 10,000 children died in road accidents across the country in 2023. Telangana alone recorded more than 7,000 road accident deaths in 2024, with many children among the victims.
Experts at the meeting stressed the need for better coordination between departments to reduce accidents involving children.
Focus on School Zones and Safer Roads
The proposed Child Road Safety Action Plan 2030 will mainly focus on:
Improving safety near schools Creating pedestrian-friendly roads Better traffic management Stronger enforcement around educational institutions Safer infrastructure for children and teenagersOfficials said the goal is to develop a long-term system that protects children while travelling to schools and public places.
UNICEF representatives said every child has the right to safe travel and praised Telangana’s efforts to introduce a child-focused road safety model.
The state government hopes the initiative will help Telangana emerge as a national example in child road safety planning and accident prevention.
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