The Indian government is planning to introduce a ‘graded’ driving licence system aimed at reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving. Under the proposed system, points will be deducted for traffic violations, and licences could be suspended or cancelled in cases of serious or repeated offences.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that nearly 180,000 people lose their lives in road accidents in the country every year due to reasons such as mobile phone use while driving, overspeeding, driving in the wrong direction, and drunk driving.

Addressing a National Road Safety Conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the national capital, Gadkari said human life is extremely valuable and the government is taking several steps to improve road safety. Although penalties for traffic violations have already been increased, he noted that effective enforcement remains a major challenge.

Under the new system, specific points will be deducted for traffic rule violations. If all points are exhausted, the driving licence may be suspended for six months, and in cases of repeat offences, it could be permanently cancelled.