In a rare spectacle, State Transport Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya had often been seen riding bikes and taking tours across Assam. The bike ride was neither an exercise for optics and nor for fun rather it was a step to curb the rising road accidents in the state.
Coinciding with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the minister undertook a State-wide ‘Path Suraksha Jan Andolan’ rally covering over 2,500 km with the sole intention to promote road safety. The step yielded great results and has been largely lauded by people in the State.
Manish Yadav, a resident of Dibrugarh while talking to Asom Barta, said “Since the the last couple of years, traffic management has been upgraded across the State. Actions against drunk driving are playing a major role in making people conscious of the rules and regulations.”
Yadav further shared that people were shocked to see the minister in this avatar, “In December last year, the Transport Minister came to Dibrugarh while riding a bike. People were surprised and most even didn’t recognise him. But it was really overwhelming to see taking such steps only to reduce the road accidents.”
Subhajit Chakraborty, a frequent traveller from Silchar to Guwahati, feels a positive shift on the Highways, stating that blood stains on roads have become less common over time.
“As a regular traveller, I have witnessed the improvement in road safety in Assam. I think the Government is placing special emphasis on this and it is working,” he added.
“The construction of new speed breakers, traffic signages, cautionary signs, blinking lights, and identification of black spots in hazardous areas. These measures significantly contribute to increasing awareness and concern among people regarding road safety,” he said while talking to this reporter.
Data published by the Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways have reported a decrease in road accidents in Assam, placing it among the top five States and UTs with improved road safety. (Pl see Box)
In the year 2021, the number of accident deaths was 7411, which was reduced to 7023 in 2022 further recorded 6001 till October.
“For the development of a State or a nation, effective communication and transportation are very essential. With development comes more vehicles on the road, which increases chances of accidents. However, we are trying to effectively communicate with vehicle owners and drivers on this aspect,” the Transport Minister told this reporter.
He added that most accidents and fatalities involve two-wheelers. Of them, speeding and not wearing protective gears like helmets are resulting in casualties. He also attributed unfit vehicles and casual attitude towards seat belts for accidents and deaths caused in accidents involving four wheelers. “Despite repeated appeals, many are reluctant to assess car fitness. Old or unfit cars are susceptible to accidents,” he commented.
“Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from Day One has been concerned about road safety. He has been taking every possible step to reduce fatalities. District Commissioners (DCs), Superintendent of Police (SPs), and department officials have been strictly directed to take actions for the enforcement of road safety protocols,” Minister added.
It is to be mentioned here that the Centre has identified 95 black spots, out of which 47 have been rectified while 48 more need to be rectified.
“Special measures have been taken to reduce accidents in these areas,” the Minister told this newsletter.
The Government has already constituted a Road Safety Council in the State which comprises top officials of various departments: Health, Police, PWD, Transport. The councils meet every three months and discuss the various ways to stop mishaps.
During any occasion, road safety campaigns are conducted across the state. Furthermore, in every district, under the leadership of the District Commissioner, a road safety board was constituted, and funds were provided by the Government.
Talking to this reporter, Nagaon Motor Vehicle Inspector Bishal Debnath said that based on directives, LED vehicles were sent to vulnerable districts/spots carrying the message of road safety.
“In Nagaon, accidents have gone down by 30.61 % and fatalities by 55%,” Debnath informed this newsletter.
Adopting digital solutions, the Government recently launched ‘Path Suraksha Sahajogi,’ a citizen-friendly mobile application enabling direct reporting of grievances related to road safety measures.
