The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the Youth Safety and Smart Mobility Expedition 2026, an initiative aimed at raising awareness among young people about road safety and responsible driving practices. The expedition was flagged off by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra from Transport Bhawan in New Delhi on 24 September 2026. The initiative is being organised jointly by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and JK Tyre.
Key facts
- Convoy of 50 to 60 electric vehicles travelling approximately 500 kilometres from New Delhi to Chandigarh
- Focus areas: road safety awareness, responsible driving behaviour, and smart mobility
- Launched on 24 September 2026 from Transport Bhawan, New Delhi
- Organised by PHDCCI and JK Tyre in partnership with the Ministry
- Participants will act as road safety ambassadors along the route
- Electric vehicle range mentioned as 350 to 400 kilometres per charge today, compared to 150 to 200 kilometres previously
What the expedition aims to achieve
The expedition uses a convoy of electric vehicles to combine two national priorities: road safety and clean mobility. As the convoy travels through cities and towns along the Delhi-Chandigarh corridor, participants will interact with young people and local stakeholders to discuss responsible road behaviour, traffic discipline and the benefits of electric vehicles. The initiative frames road safety as a shared responsibility, emphasising that individual choices on the road affect not only the driver but also other road users and pedestrians.
Road safety dimensions highlighted by the Ministry
The Ministry outlined several aspects of road safety that require attention. These include adherence to traffic laws and rules, maintenance of vehicles in good working condition, road engineering improvements at accident-prone spots, and timely medical assistance to accident victims. The Minister stressed that violations of traffic rules significantly increase accident risk and that identifying and correcting black spots or dangerous road corridors remains an ongoing priority. Engineering interventions such as correcting sharp curves, improving visibility and fixing road deficiencies at locations with repeated accidents are part of this effort.
Connection to existing road safety schemes
The expedition aligns with the Government’s existing road safety initiatives. The Minister referenced PM-RAHAT, a scheme focused on ensuring accident victims receive medical care during the critical golden hour after an accident. The Ministry also runs Sadak Suraksha Mitra, a youth-focused initiative that transforms young people into road safety advocates and support persons for accident victims, known as Raah-Veer volunteers.
Electric vehicle promotion as part of climate goals
The use of electric vehicles in this expedition reflects the Government’s broader commitment to clean mobility and India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070. The Minister highlighted advances in electric vehicle technology, noting that battery range has improved substantially. Modern electric vehicles can travel 350 to 400 kilometres on a single charge, compared to 150 to 200 kilometres in earlier models. Innovations such as flash charging for electric buses were also mentioned as examples of technological progress in the sector. The Ministry indicated willingness to support industry in developing battery manufacturing and assembly capabilities within India.
What this means for you
If you are a young driver or road user, this expedition underscores the importance of following traffic rules, maintaining your vehicle properly, and understanding that safe driving protects both your life and others on the road. If you are interested in electric vehicles, the initiative highlights Government support for EV adoption and the improving technology available in the market. Communities along the Delhi-Chandigarh route may encounter the expedition and have opportunities to engage with road safety messages and learn about clean mobility options.
What happens next
The expedition convoy will travel the approximately 500-kilometre route to Chandigarh, stopping to conduct awareness sessions and interactions with youth and stakeholders along the way. Participants have been encouraged to serve as road safety ambassadors during their journey, spreading messages about responsible behaviour and safer mobility practices.