Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, is spearheading a vital initiative to enhance road safety with the return of the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan (SSA) 2026. This nationwide campaign aims to raise public awareness and features some of the most prominent stars from Bollywood, all rallying for this essential cause. On January 25th, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), under Gadkari’s guidance, will host an impressive telethon on CNN-News18 in Mumbai, marking the fourth year of this flagship initiative.
### Understanding Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan
According to recent data from MoRTH, India experienced 487,707 road accidents in 2024, leading to a staggering 177,175 fatalities—averaging nearly 485 lives lost daily. Alarmingly, individuals aged 18 to 45 make up over two-thirds of these deaths, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing education and awareness nationwide. Risky behaviors like speeding, reckless driving, unsafe overtaking, jaywalking, and neglecting the use of helmets and seatbelts, along with the failure to provide timely assistance during critical moments, continue to contribute significantly to road fatalities.
Under Gadkari’s vision, the theme for SSA 2026 is ‘Kartavya’ (Duty), emphasizing that road safety transcends mere regulations and is a shared responsibility among citizens. The campaign’s tagline, “Parvaah Se, Kartavya Tak,” signifies a shift from mere concern to a commitment to responsible actions on the roads. The 2026 initiative is structured around four essential pillars: Kartavya (Duty), Kayda (Discipline), Kavach (Shield), and Kranti (Change), all aimed at fostering lasting behavioral change across India’s road landscape.
### Celebrity Support for Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan
Joining Minister Gadkari in this crucial national effort are Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Kay Kay Menon, as well as celebrated singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and renowned artist Swanand Kirkire. This high-impact awareness campaign will feature engaging discussions with celebrity participants and special performances, all designed to inspire behavioral change and strengthen the public’s commitment to road safety.
With its star-studded lineup and Gadkari’s unwavering dedication, Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2026 is set to mark a significant milestone in India’s road safety journey, moving beyond mere awareness to incite action and urging citizens across the nation to treat road safety as a collective responsibility. Don’t miss the grand telethon on CNN-News18 on Sunday, January 25th, starting at 11:00 AM.