IIT Guwahati begins 15-day road safety auditors certificate course

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has started a 15-day road safety auditors certification course in association with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H) and the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). The course will be held from January 17 to January 31, 2024 at IIT Guwahati.

The course aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to road safety and accident prevention. The programme is being attended by over 25 delegates including the engineers from the Public Works Department (Roads) across various districts of Assam and other consultants from different states.

Speaking on the major initiative, course coordinator professor Akhilesh Kumar Maurya , Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “..This 15-day road safety auditors course is novel initiative to sensitise as well as make the participants aware of the areas of road safety through rigorous theoretical classes and field exercises. The government of Assam is taking various steps to reduce road accidents, however, capacity building in the area of road safety among the stakeholders is still lagging.”

Speaking on the course structure, course coordinator, Nipjyoti Bhardwaj, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Guwahati, “The program covers a wide range of topics essential for mastering road safety audits. It includes real-world case studies, guidance on the latest tools and techniques, and interactive sessions designed to simulate the complexities of road safety and accident prevention. A key feature is a two-day field visit, allowing participants to apply their skills on-site under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. This practical approach complements theoretical knowledge, ensuring participants are well-prepared for road safety challenges.“

This course will present a valuable opportunity for engineers, practitioners, academicians, consultants, researchers, and other stakeholders to enhance their knowledge, skills, and certification in the domain of road safety engineering and auditing.

Recognizing the role of proper training for highway professionals in the area of Road Safety Audit (RSA), IIT Guwahati signed an agreement with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRT&H) and the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) in 2020. This collaboration aims to contribute to the noble effort of minimizing road accident deaths by providing training on "Road Safety and Safety Audit." In line with this agreement, this course is being conducted by the institute.