12th Session of India‑Japan Joint Working Group (JWJ) on Road and Road Transport Sector

India‑Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) today concluded its 12th session successfully, with senior officials, technical experts and policymakers from both countries participating. The main focus of this session was on modernising road infrastructure, improving traffic safety and developing environmentally‑friendly transport systems. Japan proposed providing technical assistance to India in the areas of advanced smart‑highway technology, intelligent traffic management systems and high‑speed electric vehicle charging infrastructure. India expressed willingness to cooperate in expanding its extensive national highway network, increasing road access in rural areas and electrifying public transport.

During the session, both sides reached agreement on several key points, including accelerating project implementation through community training programmes, joint research initiatives and financial cooperation. In particular, they agreed to adopt advanced road safety standards to reduce traffic accidents and to launch a pilot project for testing automated driver assistance systems (ADAS). Moreover, with a commitment to climate change, the two countries will work towards establishing a joint fund to promote the production and use of electric commercial vehicles.

As a result of this session, the outlines of several bilateral projects are expected to be prepared in the coming months, which will not only elevate the quality and safety of road transport in India but also realise regional economic development and sustainable mobility goals. This continuous platform of the JWG will strengthen infrastructure cooperation between the two nations and develop collective solutions for future transport challenges.