Barriers and Enablers in Implementing the Vision Zero Approach to Road Safety: A Case Study of Haryana, India, with Lessons from Sweden

Empirical studies on barriers and enablers to implementing Vision Zero remain limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), limiting broader adoption. India exemplifies this gap: while some cities and states have adopted Vision Zero, national uptake has been slow. The purpose of this study is to investigate barriers and enablers in the Indian state of Haryana. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 Vision Zero experts selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was analyzed using inductive content analysis following Graneheim and Lundman’s approach. The findings revealed five categories and 21 sub-categories of barriers and four categories with 13 sub-categories of enablers. Cultural and institutional barriers were most prominent, including poor road safety culture, staff shortages, limited technical expertise and weak research capacity. Operational, financial and political barriers were less frequently discussed but included complex management processes, delayed funding and lack of political will in certain states. Key enablers included strong political support, long-term vision, ambitious road safety targets, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. Identifying these factors can strengthen the implementation capacity in LMICs and guide policymakers in overcoming challenges and leveraging enablers to advance Vision Zero.