SIAM-SAFE conference 2024 focuses on integrating smart mobility with safety and sustainability

The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), organised the SIAM-SAFE Technical Conference 2024 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with a focus on "Smart Mobility: Integrating Safety with Sustainability."

The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and experts to discuss advancements in vehicular technology, road safety, and sustainable fuels, aiming to contribute to the future of mobility in India.

The conference featured key government representatives, including Chief Guest B Dayanand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Karnataka, along with Guest of Honour V Anbukumar, IAS, Managing Director of KSRTC, and C Mallikarjun, Additional Transport Commissioner, Government of Karnataka. The event included sessions on road safety, sustainability, and technology advancements, with various experts and officials providing insights on the direction of mobility in the automotive sector.

In his opening remarks, Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, emphasised the importance of technological advancements in promoting safer transportation. He noted that as the sector experiences significant changes through connected, shared, autonomous, and sustainable mobility, collaboration among government, industry, and the community will be crucial to meeting road safety objectives.

Chief Guest B Dayanand addressed road safety challenges, emphasising the need for education and responsible road behavior in India. He suggested that mandatory safety features like helmets and seatbelts could play a vital role in improving road safety.

Guest of Honour V Anbukumar highlighted the importance of innovation in public transport, mentioning that Karnataka's bus network is adapting to meet the changing needs of millions of daily commuters through modernisation efforts.

Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka & Chairman (Road Safety Authority), shared a road safety action plan for Karnataka, which is supported by a budget of ₹225 crores. The plan aims to improve road safety infrastructure, reduce fatalities, and promote responsible road behavior by 2030.

Sushant Naik, President of SAFE and Global Head (Government & Corporate Affairs) at Tata Motors, discussed the theme of integrating safety with sustainability and the role of advanced technologies like AI, ML, and cloud computing in enhancing road safety and sustainability.

The conference included sessions on "Emerging Trends in Vehicular Technology," "Sustainable Fuels for the Future," and "Circularity and End-of-Life Vehicle Management." Each session provided in-depth presentations on topics such as safety awareness, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and the importance of sustainable vehicle lifecycle management.

The conference concluded with a focus on collaboration between government and industry experts in fostering smart, safe, and sustainable mobility. SIAM continues to support initiatives promoting electrification, biofuel use, recycling, gas-based mobility infrastructure, and the hydrogen fuel ecosystem in line with its goal of promoting responsible mobility nationwide.