DODA, AUGUST 10: Transport Commissioner J&K Vishesh Paul Mahajan reviewed road safety measures in District Doda here at a meeting held in the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex, on Monday.
The meeting, as per an official statement, was convened under the aegis of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) and was attended by officers from Police, ARTOs of Doda, Udhampur and Ramban, representatives from PWD (R&B), PMGSY, NHIDCL, BRO, Health, Education, Revenue, Forest, SDRF, Municipal Committees and other concerned departments.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal gave a detailed overview of the road safety scenario in the district. He apprised the Transport Commissioner about accident-prone and vulnerable road stretches, identified black spots, road safety interventions undertaken by the stakeholder departments and measures being taken to strengthen road safety infrastructure. He also informed about the crash barriers installed along sensitive road stretches and other measures being taken to prevent road accidents.
The Transport Commissioner stressed the need for close coordination among the concerned departments for effective and timely implementation of road safety measures. “Road safety is a shared responsibility involving engineering agencies, Traffic Police, Transport Department, local bodies, health institutions, educational institutions and the general public,” he noted.
He directed the concerned agencies to identify black spots and undertake necessary corrective measures on priority. He also called for regular safety audits of roads and bridges, proper road markings, marking of warnings and regulatory signage, protective parapets and installation of crash barriers, particularly along vulnerable stretches in the hilly terrain of the district.
The Transport Commissioner directed the ARTOs to coordinate with BRO and other concerned agencies in the process of improving road safety at identified accident-prone stretches.
The NHIDCL and PMGSY authorities were directed to create adequate road safety infrastructure along roads under their respective jurisdictions, with special emphasis on installation and maintenance of crash barriers, signage and other essential safety equipment.
The PWD (R&B) was directed to ensure proper maintenance of roads across the district with immediate corrective measures, particularly in view of the ongoing rainy season. The concerned agencies were also asked to keep adequate machinery and equipment available at sensitive locations for immediate response to road blockade, landslides and other emergencies.
The issue of encroachments and improper parking along roads was also discussed. The Transport Commissioner directed the Police, Traffic Police and Transport Department to work in close coordination to address these issues. He stressed that vehicles parked improperly on roads and at locations causing obstruction to traffic should be removed promptly.
Regarding emergency response and accident management, the Transport Commissioner directed NHIDCL to ensure adequate availability of ambulance services at suitable locations along the highway for quick response during emergencies. He also stressed the need for strengthening coordination among emergency response agencies and ensuring timely medical assistance to accident victims.
He further called for strict enforcement of traffic safety norms, regular checking of overloaded and improperly parked vehicles, use of helmets and seat belts and increased awareness among road users, particularly students and young drivers.
The Transport Commissioner emphasized that all road safety measures should be implemented in a time-bound manner and reviewed regularly to reduce accidents and save precious lives.
The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned departments to work in close coordination and adopt a proactive approach towards improving road safety and ensuring safer roads for the people of Doda.
