Škoda Auto Volkswagen India and SaveLIFE Foundation Complete Zero Fatality Corridor Project on NH-19

Pune, August 14, 2025: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL), in collaboration with SaveLIFE Foundation, has announced the successful completion of its two-year “Surakshit Sadkein, Surakshit Bharat” Zero Fatality Corridor (ZFC) programme on the Agra–Etawah–Chakeri section of National Highway 19 in Uttar Pradesh.

Launched in November 2022, the initiative targeted one of the country’s high-risk highway stretches, aiming to reduce road crash deaths through the “4Es” of road safety — Engineering, Emergency Care, Enforcement, and Education. The programme has resulted in a 7.5% reduction in road crash fatalities compared to the baseline year, impacting over 7.2 lakh commuters.

The project involved close coordination with the National Highways Authority of India, Uttar Pradesh Police, the Transport Department, the State Road Safety Committee, and local administrations. Key measures included engineering safety upgrades, electronic enforcement, improved signage, and strengthened trauma care systems.

Major outcomes include the rectification of more than 7,000 engineering hazards, installation of crash barriers and speed calming measures, improved pedestrian facilities, training of over 300 first responders in Basic Trauma Life Support, and training of 150 commercial vehicle drivers in anticipatory driving. Awareness campaigns were carried out through billboards, dhaba branding, and distribution of bilingual pamphlets offering road safety guidelines.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, SAVWIPL, said:
“For us, progress in the automotive sector is as much about building safer communities as it is about innovation. The Group takes safety seriously — our Made-in-India models have achieved full 5-star safety ratings, and we are committed to extending that safety beyond our cars to the roads we share. The NH 19 Zero Fatality Corridor with SaveLIFE Foundation shows that when engineering, enforcement, training, and awareness come together, lives are saved. This measurable impact strengthens our vision of a self-reliant India, where independence also means the freedom to travel without fear.”

This marks the second Vision Zero Fatality Corridor project supported by SAVWIPL, following the Mumbai–Pune Highway initiative, which recorded a 61% reduction in fatalities. With tested solutions now embedded in government systems, the NH-19 model is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar road safety programmes nationwide.