ITS India Forum Joins ITS Asia Pacific Forum: Strengthening India’s Role in Global Smart Mobility

The ITS India Forum has officially joined the prestigious ITS Asia Pacific Forum, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward intelligent and sustainable transportation. This inclusion connects India’s dynamic mobility ecosystem to the Asia-Pacific region’s leading intelligent transport network—ushering in a new era of innovation, global collaboration, and strategic growth.

With the world’s second-largest road network and the third-largest automobile market, India is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the global mobility sector. This partnership will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge transportation technologies, foster cross-border innovation, and unlock new growth opportunities for India’s evolving infrastructure.

                                                                Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava

A Strategic Leap for India’s Mobility Vision

India’s integration into the ITS Asia Pacific Forum comes at a critical juncture, as the nation’s highway and urban transport systems continue to expand rapidly.

“India, home to one of the largest road networks and vehicle markets globally, is positioned to play a transformative role in mobility innovation,” said Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President of ITS India Forum. “This membership enables us to align with global advancements and contribute meaningfully to the future of smart transportation.”

This development gives India a voice in regional ITS policy dialogues—allowing its unique challenges, innovations, and opportunities to shape the intelligent transport landscape across Asia-Pacific.

Key Benefits for India’s Transport Ecosystem

1. Access to Global Best Practices
India will gain direct access to the latest ITS innovations—ranging from smart infrastructure and AI-powered traffic systems to autonomous mobility and next-gen traffic management solutions.

2. Cross-Border Collaboration & Partnerships
Indian stakeholders can now actively collaborate with international governments, corporations, and research institutions—enabling joint ventures, knowledge sharing, and pilot projects.

3. Technology Exchange & Innovation
India will contribute to and benefit from global technology exchanges, including connected vehicle ecosystems, smart city mobility tools, and AI-driven solutions for road safety and traffic optimization.

4. Influence in Global Policy & Standards
India will help shape the region’s intelligent transport policies, ensuring they are aligned with both global standards and local needs—building a more inclusive and sustainable mobility framework.

“This membership is a defining moment for India’s intelligent transport journey,” the ITS India Forum emphasized. “It opens doors to global learning, collaboration, and innovation.”

India to Showcase Innovations at ITS Asia-Pacific Congress 2025, South Korea

India is set to make a strong presence at the 20th ITS Asia-Pacific Congress, scheduled for May 27–30, 2025, in Suwon, South Korea. The event will spotlight the latest in sustainable mobility—including electric, connected, and hydrogen-powered transport solutions.

A keynote address by Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava will highlight India’s strategic roadmap for future-ready mobility, focusing on:

• Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
• Connected and autonomous vehicles
• Dynamic road pricing models
• Smart and green infrastructure

The Indian delegation will also engage in sessions on global cooperation, technology co-development, and pilot initiatives—reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing global ITS frameworks.

Accelerating Smart Mobility Through Global Synergy

India’s induction as the 12th member of the ITS Asia Pacific Forum reinforces its commitment to building a connected, sustainable, and efficient transport ecosystem. The collaboration is expected to drive advancements in:

• Smart traffic and signal control
• Autonomous and connected mobility
• Real-time traveler information systems
• Scalable MaaS platforms

Moreover, India’s vast and complex mobility landscape offers valuable insights to other countries in the region—positioning the nation not just as a learner, but a global contributor to intelligent transport solutions.

“Suwon 2025 is a step forward in shaping a globally connected future,” said Mr. Srivastava. “India is ready to lead, collaborate, and co-create on the international mobility stage.”

Looking Ahead: India at ITS World Congress 2025, USA

Further expanding its global footprint, the ITS India Forum will lead a prominent Indian delegation to the ITS World Congress 2025, taking place in Atlanta, USA, from August 24–28, 2025. A dedicated ITS India Pavilion will showcase the country’s mobility innovations, start-ups, and leadership in smart transportation technologies.

Conclusion: Ushering in a New Era of Intelligent Transportation

India’s inclusion in the ITS Asia Pacific Forum signals the beginning of a transformative chapter in the nation’s mobility story. It represents:

• Stronger global alliances
• Accelerated tech adoption
• Scalable innovation pathways
• A smarter, safer, and more sustainable future

As India embraces global collaboration and intelligent transport frameworks, the country is poised to revolutionize its infrastructure, enhance commuter experience, reduce congestion, and lead the charge toward a digitally empowered and eco-friendly mobility future.

Source link: https://medium.com/@akhlisheshsrivastva/its-india-forum-joins-its-asia-pacific-forum-strengthening-indias-role-in-global-smart-mobility-ea5d1c2595c8

  

Every Family Is Waiting for Someone to Return Home” – A Road Safety Mission by Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava

Behind every door, a family waits for someone’s return.

These aren’t just words. They carry the weight of loss, the pain of unspoken goodbyes, and the hope that fuels one man’s mission to make India's roads safer for everyone.

This powerful truth was shared by Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, a veteran technocrat and globally recognized expert in infrastructure and road safety, who has spent over 30 years working to reduce preventable road crash fatalities across India. His journey began decades ago when he witnessed the aftermath of a horrific road accident—an incident that deeply changed his perspective on mobility, infrastructure, and the value of life.

Since then, his mission has not been just about improving how fast we move—but about ensuring that we all reach our destinations alive.

                                                                  Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava

A National Emergency: India’s Road Crash Crisis

India has some of the deadliest roads in the world.
🔴 Over 1.8 lakh lives are cut short each year in road crashes — a silent crisis on our streets.
🔴 That’s over 500 lives every single day—most of them young, productive citizens.
🔴 In the last decade alone, over 1.5 million people have died in road accidents.

These numbers are staggering. But more importantly, they are not just numbers—they are lives lost, families shattered, dreams cut short.

Mr. Srivastav emphasizes that most of these deaths are not mere accidents. They are the result of preventable failures—inadequate infrastructure, poor road design, lack of awareness, non-enforcement of safety norms, and limited accountability.

From Helplessness to Hope: The Power of Technology

At a recent TEDx Talk, Mr. Akhilesh Srivastav shared his vision for transforming India’s road safety landscape. The focus? Technology: A lifesaver, not a luxury.

Here are key innovations he champions:

✅ AI-Enabled Alert Systems

Advanced driver assistance systems can provide real-time warnings—such as lane departure alerts, collision warnings, and fatigue detection. These systems give drivers critical extra seconds to respond, often making the difference between life and death.

✅ Real-Time Traffic Data Integration

Smart traffic monitoring spots congestion, wrong-way driving, and accident hotspots—enabling authorities to intervene before chaos turns deadly.

✅ Intelligent School Zones

Speed sensors, warning lights, and digital signages near schools can slow down traffic and protect our most precious road users—children.

✅ Geo-Fencing & Enforcement Automation

Technologies like GPS-based geo-fencing and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) can digitally enforce speed limits and traffic rules, reducing human errors and corruption.

Technology Alone Isn’t Enough—We Need Intent and Empathy

While the technology exists and is already being used in many parts of the world, Mr. Akhilesh Srivastav stresses that it needs to be backed by strong political intent, efficient implementation, and public collaboration.

Most importantly, road safety must be seen not merely as a matter of rules and fines—but as a matter of empathy. Every individual on the road is someone’s world. Behind each helmet, each seatbelt, each horn—there is a father, a mother, a child, a friend waiting to return home.

As Mr. Akhilesh Srivastav eloquently puts it:

“Road safety is not about enforcing rules. It is about saving lives.”

Collaboration is the Key

To turn this vision into reality, a collaborative approach is essential:

• Policymakers must prioritize safer road design, stricter law enforcement, and the swift adoption of smart road technologies.
• Technologists and engineers must develop scalable, affordable, and accessible innovations for Indian road conditions.
• A safety-first mindset starts with us—helmets on, speed in check, and laws respected.

A Wake-Up Call for All of Us

If you’ve ever:

• Lost someone too soon to a road accident,
• Had a narrow escape yourself,
• Or care about the safety of your loved ones,

Then this message is meant for you.

Let’s stop treating road crashes as just another news item.
Let’s treat them for what they really are: a national tragedy, largely preventable, and deeply personal.

 Let’s Make Every Journey a Safe One

Mr. Akhilesh Srivastav’s work is a reminder that miracles happen when technology meets policy, and ambition meets execution.

We already have the tools. Now, it’s time for us—as a nation—to summon the will, take action, and create roads where every journey ends with a safe return home.

Because every family is waiting. 

Source link: https://medium.com/@akhlisheshsrivastva/every-family-is-waiting-for-someone-to-return-home-a-road-safety-mission-by-mr-ef7592177122

Transforming India's Mobility: How ITS and Innovation Are Paving the Road to Safer Transport

Introduction   

India’s mobility landscape is at a historic turning point. With over 172,000 road crash deaths recorded in 2023—the highest globally—transforming the way we travel has never been more urgent. But amid these challenges lies a remarkable opportunity: to leverage innovation and technology to build a safer, smarter, and more sustainable transport system. At the heart of this transformation is the emergence of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)—a data-driven, tech-powered approach that is redefining mobility across the nation.

Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava

What Is ITS and Why Does It Matter?  

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) refer to the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into transportation infrastructure and vehicles. From real-time traffic management to connected vehicles and predictive analytics, ITS technologies are designed to make transport systems more efficient, responsive, and—most importantly—safe.  

In India, ITS is no longer a futuristic concept; it is becoming an essential part of national infrastructure planning.  

ITS and the Push Toward Road Safety 2.0  

India's first National ITS Policy—developed with support from thought leaders and institutions like the ITS India Forum—lays the foundation for Road Safety 2.0: a forward-thinking, tech-driven model that puts human lives at the center of mobility.  

Some of the most impactful ITS technologies currently being piloted or implemented include:  

• Collision Warning and Avoidance Systems: Using ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) to reduce rear-end collisions by 50–60%.  
• Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warnings: Helping drivers navigate more safely, especially on high-speed roads.  
• Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS): Detecting fatigue or distraction to prevent speed-related accidents.  
• V2X Communication: Enabling vehicles to “talk” to each other and the infrastructure, reducing crashes involving unimpaired drivers by up to 80%.  

Case Studies: Innovation on the Ground  

• Safe Driving Score Pilots: Encouraging better driving behavior using data analytics.  
• CV2X Technology Trials: Connected Vehicle-to-Everything systems are being tested in Indian cities for real-time traffic alerts.  
• Chardham Yatra Traffic Management: ITS technologies are being used to manage peak-season congestion and safety during this high-volume pilgrimage.  
• Kumbh Mela Traffic Simulation: Predictive modeling and AI-powered simulations are helping to prevent gridlock and accidents during mass gatherings.  

These are not just technological achievements—they are life-saving interventions. 

 

Driving India’s Mobility Revolution: The Role of ITS India Forum  

The ITS India Forum stands as a key catalyst in revolutionizing India’s transportation systems.  

• Enabling policy development rooted in global best practices.  
• Facilitating knowledge-sharing through platforms like the NTRO International Technical Conference.  
• Publishing the ITS Practitioner's Journal for industry learning.  
• Driving capacity-building and funding innovation through public-private partnerships.   

A Vision Aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 

As India progresses toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision—a future-ready, inclusive, and developed nation—smart mobility must be a core pillar. Safer roads, sustainable infrastructure, and equitable access can only be achieved when innovation and policy move in harmony. 

ITS is not a luxury—it is a necessity. 

Conclusion:  

Technology, when used with purpose, has the power to save lives and transform societies. With ITS and other smart mobility innovations, India is not just reacting to a crisis—it is proactively building a safer transport future. 

Collaboration across government, industry, and academia will be key to success. The journey starts here—now, it’s time to move forward with full speed. 

Source link: https://medium.com/@akhlisheshsrivastva/transforming-indias-mobility-how-its-and-innovation-are-paving-the-road-to-safer-transport-662e7ee06962