DC asks NHIDCL to create civic amenities for travellers
DH NEWS SERVICE
DODA, Oct 14
The 3rd meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) was convened today under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh here in the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex.
The meeting was attended by senior functionaries from the Police, BRO, Health, Education, Forest, Transport, NHIDCL and other line departments. The meeting reviewed ongoing road safety measures including identification of accident-prone areas and strengthening coordination among departments to ensure safer roads across the district. The stakeholder departments were directed to submit updated Action Taken Reports (ATRs) on the measures listed in previous meetings.
He directed the departments to expedite works related to the construction of safety barriers, installation of signboards, safety channels and crash barriers. The NHIDCL authorities were instructed to shift electric towers from unsafe locations to suitable spots and to ensure proper maintenance of national highways to prevent accidents. The DC also asked NHIDCL to conduct a design speed study to enhance traffic flow and vehicle speed safety.
Directions were issued for the installation of crash barriers in remaining vulnerable areas and the DySP Traffic, NHIDCL and XEN PWD (R&B) were asked to take prompt action. The DC further directed NHIDCL to maintain roadside safety signs and ensure all road safety measures are in place. He also emphasized ensuring toilet facilities for travellers at designated roadside locations.
Referring to the Raggi Nallah area, which has been identified as a sensitive stretch, the DC urged the authorities to implement immediate safety measures on the stretch. The BRO was directed to ensure timely maintenance of damaged roads for public safety and to prioritize maintenance and safety improvements of the road leading to Chattergalla, keeping in view the expected influx of tourists during the upcoming snow adventure tourism season.
The meeting also discussed the blacktopping and crash barrier works along the Goha–Marmat stretch, for which the DC directed to appoint a Nodal Officer for effective execution and daily reporting of progress. The DC emphasized that all road safety and maintenance works must be completed within targeted timelines.
The ARTO and DySP Traffic were directed to maintain detailed records of all accidents, along with proper analysis and reporting. The ARTO was further instructed to take stern enforcement action against traffic violators and to ensure strict adherence to helmet use and road safety norms. The DC called for effective monitoring of traffic management and violations, with weekly reports to be submitted by the DySP Traffic and ARTO Doda regarding the movement of vehicles, route permits and other regulatory parameters.
Additionally, the DC directed the concerned officers to provide accident site reports promptly and to identify black spots in their respective jurisdictions. He also stressed the need for regular awareness programmes on road safety at the community and institutional levels.
The meeting concluded with the Deputy Commissioner urging all departments to work in close coordination to achieve the shared goal of “Zero Fatality Corridors” across District Doda, ensuring that road safety remains a top priority for all stakeholders.
