Lucknow: On May 6, 2025, the Lucknow Management Association (LMA) organized a panel discussion on “Mitigating the Burden of Road Accidents & Implementing Smart Traffic Policies” in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), KPM, and IIT Roorkee.
India ranks among the highest globally in road traffic accidents, with Uttar Pradesh consistently reporting alarming fatality rates. Despite ongoing infrastructure improvements, the state recorded over 21,000 road accident deaths in 2022—nearly 14% of the national total. The estimated annual cost of road crashes in India stands at ₹5.96 lakh crore, approximately 3.14% of the GDP, underscoring the urgent need for strategic and coordinated action.
Traffic management in Lucknow and across the state remains a significant challenge, impeding economic growth and negatively impacting citizens’ quality of life.
Babloo Kumar, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Lucknow Police Commissionerate.”
Purnendu Singh, IPS (PPS), Staff Officer to the DGP, UP emphasized, “It is the need of the hour to formulate strict traffic and road safety policies. We cannot allow lawlessness in the name of employment and livelihood.,
Arbab Ahmad, Architect & Urban Planner, also addressed the panel. Mr. Ahmad remarked, “Road safety is a multidisciplinary field that requires equal efforts from every agency. The approach must be scientific and data-driven—not only to resolve current issues but to create a long-term vision for sustainable urban planning.”
He further stressed the critical role of technocrats and researchers in applying AI, modern software tools, and innovative road design to bring about meaningful change. In Uttar Pradesh alone, 66 people die every day in road accidents—21 of whom are two-wheeler riders, disproportionately affecting low-income groups.
He emphasized, “Engineering alone cannot solve this societal crisis. Strategic enforcement, grassroots education, and prompt emergency response are essential to bring about a transformative impact.”
Prof. Sanjay Singh from IIM Lucknow elaborated on various road safety and traffic management issues in Lucknow and other cities in Uttar Pradesh.
The session was moderated by Dr. Anup Chandra Pandey, Former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh & Past President, LMA.
Yash Pal Singh, Ex-DGP of Uttar Pradesh, graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
The panel deliberated on a wide range of critical issues, including:
· Data-driven policies and real-time accident mapping
· Enforcement of traffic laws and equitable penalty systems
· Smart infrastructure, road design, and adaptive technologies
· Licensing reforms and driver behavior
· Emergency response systems and trauma care
· Protection of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists
The panel made several key recommendations, which LMA will advance in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and government bodies.
