The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has kicked off the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan (SSA) 2026. This campaign aims to raise awareness about safe driving practices throughout India. Well-known personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Kay Kay Menon, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, and lyricist Swanand Kirkire are lending their voices to this important initiative.
The campaign marks its fourth year, culminating in a special telethon on CNN-News18, set for January 25 in Mumbai. This engaging event will feature performances and discussions all focused on encouraging safer driving habits and a stronger commitment to road safety.
Recent data from the Ministry reveals that India reported nearly 488,000 road accidents in 2024, resulting in about 177,000 deaths—equating to roughly 485 lives lost each day. Notably, more than two-thirds of these fatalities involved individuals aged 18 to 45, underscoring the critical need for ongoing education. Key risk factors such as speeding, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, ignoring traffic rules, and delays in helping accident victims during the crucial “golden hour” continue to be significant contributors to road fatalities.
The theme for SSA 2026 is ‘Kartavya’ (Duty), emphasizing that road safety is a collective responsibility. The campaign’s tagline, “Parvaah Se, Kartavya Tak,” encourages a shift from mere concern to proactive action for safer roads in India.
This year’s campaign is structured around four main areas: Duty, Discipline, Shield, and Change, all aimed at raising awareness, promoting responsible behavior, utilizing technology and artificial intelligence, and fostering community-led transformation.
Santosh Menon, Chief Content Officer at Network18, commented, “Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan shows our shared commitment to making roads safer. This year’s theme, Kartavya, reminds us that road safety is everyone’s duty. Through collective effort and lasting behavioral change, we can achieve real impact.”
Puneet Singhvi, Chief Strategy Officer at Network18 Group, added, “We support the Ministry’s ongoing efforts and are dedicated to spreading awareness that can significantly lower accidents and save lives.”
With strong backing from celebrities and a wide reach, Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2026 aims to not only raise awareness but also inspire real action, urging everyone to consider road safety as a shared duty.
The telethon will be broadcast on CNN-News18 on Sunday, January 25, starting at 11:00 am.
