The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has collaborated with leading platforms Zomato and Uber to bolster road safety awareness across India as part of its flagship Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan. Now entering its third year, the campaign is leveraging partnerships with private sector players to expand its reach and drive behavioural change in road usage.

Road Safety: A National Priority

Announcing the partnership, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised that road safety remains one of the country’s foremost concerns. “This initiative is aimed at saving lives by promoting safer driving habits nationwide,” he stated. Highlighting the growing dependence on ride-hailing and food delivery services, especially among the youth and working population, he noted that reaching this demographic requires collective efforts beyond regulatory frameworks.

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Human Factor Behind Road Accidents

Gadkari also drew attention to the scale of the crisis, saying, “Every hour, 20 people lose their lives on the roads, and shockingly, 66% of them are between 18 and 36 years of age.” He explained that despite improvements in road and automobile engineering, alongside new legislation like the Road Safety Act and stricter penalties, the desired results have not materialised. “The core issue lies in human behaviour. That’s why awareness campaigns are essential to drive change,” he added.

Integrating Safety Across Platforms

Under this partnership, Zomato and Uber will weave safety messages into their digital platforms to effectively engage both drivers and users. Zomato will integrate safety prompts on its delivery partner app and consumer interface, while Uber will concentrate on driver education and rider awareness, supported by advanced technological tools.

Uber’s Safety-First Approach

Uber is introducing a ‘Road Safety Pledge’ for its drivers, coupled with education programmes that focus on traffic rules and responsible driving. Additionally, the company is utilising GPS and telematics data to monitor behaviours such as speeding and harsh braking, providing real-time corrective feedback through Speeding Alerts and Dangerous Driving Notifications.

Sooraj Nair, head of Safety Operations at Uber India & South Asia, remarked, “At Uber, safety is not just a feature—it is a core value. Road safety in India demands collective action, and Uber will continue to lead efforts to make cities safer for everyone.”

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Further enhancing safety, Uber has rolled out a suite of tools, including a 24x7 Safety Line, an in-app SOS button linked to police control rooms, AI-based helmet checks, reminders for seatbelt usage, and RideCheck technology that flags irregular trip patterns. Accident insurance coverage is also available for both drivers and riders, offering added peace of mind.

Zomato’s Commitment to Safe Deliveries

Zomato’s approach includes mandatory safety briefings for its delivery partners, covering helmet compliance, disciplined riding, and responsible conduct. Every shift begins with a safety pledge, while partners receive real-time weather alerts and precautionary messages to ensure their safety on the road. A 24x7 SOS feature connects them with ambulance services in emergencies, and comprehensive insurance coverage adds further protection. Zomato also recognises delivery partners who exhibit exceptional road discipline and responsiveness during critical situations.

A Step Toward Safer Roads

The collaboration between MoRTH, Zomato, and Uber signals a major step toward fostering safer roads through awareness, technology, and behavioural change. With millions of rides and deliveries daily, this partnership seeks to empower users and service providers alike, aiming to reduce accidents and create a safer transport ecosystem across India.