Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivas chaired a crucial review meeting on Friday in Jaipur to address road safety across national highways and state roads. The high-level follow-up session focused on minimizing accidents through better inter-departmental coordination, infrastructure improvements, and stricter traffic enforcement.
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) presented an audit report detailing recent accidents on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and outlined proposed preventive measures. Meanwhile, the state Transport Department shared early results from its ongoing intensive safety campaign, which runs from July 8 to 28.
Authorities have already issued 17,850 challans, seized 487 vehicles, and suspended 22 registration certificates for various irregularities. Additionally, the Police Department reported issuing 2,71,494 challans for traffic violations between July 2 and 14.
Helpline Integration and Black Spot Repairs
Stressing the need for a rapid emergency response, Srinivas directed the integration of the NHAI ambulance helpline (1033), the state emergency service (108), and the police helpline (112). He also mandated the immediate identification and rectification of accident-prone “black spots” on national highways.
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary called for the seamless operation of the Advanced Traffic Management System. He instructed officials to ensure that medical and trauma facilities at highway wayside amenities operate smoothly and that highway safety is monitored regularly.
Boosting Awareness and Departmental Support
The administration emphasized the importance of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to boost public awareness regarding traffic rules. Srinivas instructed district administrations to hold regular road safety committee meetings and ensure seamless coordination among all relevant departments.
He also ordered strict action against fraudulent out-of-state registered vehicles, the removal of highway encroachments, and the prevention of highway asset theft. Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), Praveen Gupta, assured full administrative and financial support for NHAI’s ongoing safety initiatives.
Strategic Planning for Safer Highways
Principal Secretary of Transport and Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) Chairman, Bhawani Singh Detha, advocated for a practical action plan developed through comprehensive stakeholder consultation. NHAI Chairman Santosh Yadav, who joined via video conference, outlined ongoing road engineering improvements and emergency response upgrades.
The comprehensive meeting highlights the Rajasthan government’s renewed commitment to curbing traffic fatalities. Attended by top officials—including Additional Chief Secretary of Home Bhaskar A. Sawant, Director General of Traffic Malini Agarwal, and district collectors statewide—the administration aims to establish a safer, more robust road network through prioritized infrastructure upgrades and stringent enforcement.
