The CSIR – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Bal Raksha Bharat have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leveraging scientific research and child protection expertise. The five-year partnership, effective from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2030, marks a significant commitment to raise awareness, build capacity, and promote sustainable practices that prioritise the safety of children on India’s roads. This collaboration underscores a joint effort to address critical road safety challenges by engaging diverse stakeholders including schools, government bodies, NGOs, and local communities.
The partnership will harness CRRI’s extensive experience in road research alongside Bal Raksha Bharat’s specialised knowledge in child protection to drive meaningful changes in road safety policies and practices. By combining resources and expertise, the initiative seeks to implement innovative solutions that ensure a safer future for children nationwide.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director, CRRI, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential impact: “This collaboration represents a pivotal step forward in our collective efforts to enhance road safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like children. By integrating scientific insights with targeted interventions, we aim to create safer road environments that protect the lives and well-being of our youngest citizens.”
As part of the MoU, CRRI and Bal Raksha Bharat will collaborate on research projects, policy advocacy, community outreach programs, and capacity-building workshops aimed at fostering a culture of safety and responsibility on Indian roads.