The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has launched the National Road Accident Reduction Challenge 2026, a nationwide competition inviting undergraduate college students to develop practical solutions for improving road safety in India.
The initiative, part of SIAM's "सुरक्षित सफर (Safe Journey)" program, targets college students as potential change agents in addressing the country's road safety crisis. According to SIAM Executive Director Prashant K Banerjee, approximately 485 people lose their lives daily in road accidents across India.
Teams comprising two to four students from recognized institutions nationwide can participate with faculty or institutional endorsement. The competition focuses on four key themes: user-centric interventions, technology-driven safety solutions, infrastructure improvements, and evaluation and enforcement mechanisms.
Participants must submit a 15-20 slide concept presentation supported by fieldwork, data validation, prototypes, pilots, or interviews. An optional two-minute video or demonstration can accompany submissions. The nomination deadline is January 15, 2026, with final project submissions due by March 1, 2026.
Suzuki Motorcycle India has partnered with SIAM for the initiative. Executive Officer Devashish Handa stated that road safety represents a key focus of the company's corporate social responsibility efforts.
A national jury comprising representatives from SIAM, original equipment manufacturers, transport authorities, NGOs, and media will evaluate shortlisted entries. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 2.50 lakh and recognition at SIAM's SAFE Annual Convention 2026.
The competition aims to encourage innovation, leadership, and accountability among young Indians while supporting national efforts to reduce road accidents and fatalities.