CM review meeting on Roads and Buildings

The Chief Minister reviewed a report submitted by the road safety authority, in the presence of Principal Secretary (Transport, Roads and Buildings) Sumita Dawra and officials from the department. 

The meeting included updates on the recent steps taken for Road Safety in the state. 

Recently, Rs.10 crore was approved under the Road Safety Fund for purchase of equipment. Apart from that, Rs. 3.4 crore was sanctioned for breath analysers and speed guns. 

The Chief Minister instructed the officials to utilize existing infrastructure to ensure CCTV and breath analysers in all national highways. 

Officials reported that the Enforcement Drive was conducted systematically, with meetings held at the office of the DGP in April and May. The coordination between the police and Transport Department resulted the booking of more than 88,000 cases of violations and prosecution of more than 9700 violators. 

The National Highway Authority of India has taken appropriate road safety measures such as installing solar blinkers, erecting signages, closing unauthorized median openings, removing bushes, road markings for pedestrians, and pothole rectification. 

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to pay attention to the GPS tracking system for public transport. “Even for lorries, GPS will help us locate their movement, address their problems and track illegal activities”, he said. 

On 11th August, the Transport Department held a meeting with the Supreme Court Committee on road safety, and reported their observations to the Chief Minister. 

Transport Commissioner N. Balasubramanyam presented the statistics of casualties, accidents, deaths and injuries. The total number of accidents, deaths and injuries have all reduced by 5.13%, 2.08% and 8.87% respectively. 

He said that the target for this year is to ensure 15% lives saved by modifying practises by police and transport departments. 

“Every six months, we should conduct events and campaigns related to Road Safety Awareness. The real challenge is to change a culture, and instill road discipline”, said the Chief Minister. 

Officials said that the support of police department is required for implementing the rules for helmets, seat belts and the sharing of license data of violators. 

For hospitals to serve as trauma care centers and for the integration of the government ambulances with 108 and police patrols, the Health Department will extend support.