Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) and Honda India Foundation
Introduction: Road safety is a growing concern in many parts of the world, including India. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) in collaboration with Honda India Foundation has stepped up its efforts to address this issue. With their strategic investments and collaborations with the state government, they aim to not only enhance driving skills but also bring about a change in the mindset of Indian drivers, emphasizing the importance of safe road behaviours.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) and Honda India Foundation have been actively promoting road safety in India. Their initiative in Haryana, with the establishment of the Karnal Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR), serves as a testament to their commitment.
Karnal Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR)
Key Points:
- Karnal IDTR:
- A joint initiative between HMSI and the Haryana government.
- Honda invested Rs 34 crore in this state-of-the-art facility.
- It covers 9.25 acres and offers training for two,three and four-wheelers as well as heavy motor vehicles.
- Over 7,000 people trained with advanced simulators, theory sessions, and hands-on training.
- It features the Advanced Driver Test Track (ADTT), the first of its kind in India by a two-wheeler OEM. Over 6,000 tests were conducted on the ADTT.
Advanced Driver Test Track (ADTT)
- Facilities and Offerings at IDTR:
- Driving simulators for various vehicle types.
- Smart classrooms with capacity for 200 students.
- A driving lab with cut sections of commercial vehicle engines.
- Offers tests like hill-start, reverse-S, angular parking, etc.
- Aims to be a comprehensive solution for road safety training.
- Honda’s Vision:
- Strive to eliminate road accident fatalities by 2050.
- Focus on mindset change towards road safety, starting from childhood.
- Honda collaborates with the Government of Haryana to realize this vision.
- Safety Initiatives Across India:
- Honda has established 10 Traffic Training Parks (TTPs) and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDCs) across various cities.
- The TTPs target children at the elementary level with programs tailored for different age groups.
- SDCs provide free training for learning license holders.
- Future Prospects:
- Honda is committed to expanding road safety initiatives with more centres and IDTRs in other states.
- Roughly 30-40% of HMSI’s annual CSR budget is allocated to safety initiatives.
- Honda aims to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
Pros of Honda IDTR Karnal:
- State-of-the-art facilities with a wide range of training and testing facilities for two-, three-, and four-wheelers, as well as heavy motor vehicles.
- First-of-its-kind Advanced Driver Test Track (ADTT) in India to test the driving and riding skills of all types of vehicles.
- Focus on changing mindsets towards road safety, especially among school kids.
- Commitment to reducing road fatalities in India.
Cons of Honda IDTR Karnal:
- Limited to Karnal, Haryana, so not accessible to people from other parts of the country.
- Fees for training and testing may be high for some people.
- May not be able to accommodate all the demand for training, especially during peak times.
Conclusion
Honda, through its various initiatives, is making a significant contribution to improving road safety in India. By focusing on education, changing mindsets, and collaborating with governments, they aim to make a lasting impact and reduce road fatalities in the country.
Honda’s initiatives in India underscore the pivotal role that corporations can play in addressing pressing societal challenges. By focusing on a multi-faceted approach – from state-of-the-art training facilities to grassroots educational programs – Honda is taking measurable steps to curb road fatalities. Their commitment to the cause, as demonstrated by their vision and investments, sets a commendable example for other corporate entities globally. As road safety concerns continue to mount, such proactive measures by industry leaders will be instrumental in paving the way for a safer future on the roads.
