DH NEWS SERVICE
RAJOURI, jun 14
Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee to review the road safety measures being implemented across the district and assess the progress made on decisions taken during previous committee meetings. The meeting focused on improving road safety infrastructure, enhancing emergency response mechanisms and ensuring better coordination among various departments to reduce road accidents and safeguard commuters.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review of ongoing road safety initiatives was conducted. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for coordinated and sustained efforts among all stakeholder departments to address road safety challenges effectively. He observed that reducing road accidents requires a collective approach involving enforcement agencies, road construction departments, transport authorities and healthcare institutions.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to undertake joint inspections of accident-prone locations identified across the district. He instructed officials to carry out detailed post-accident analyses at these hotspots to identify the causes of accidents and recommend corrective measures. He emphasized that timely intervention and implementation of safety measures at vulnerable stretches could significantly reduce the occurrence of road mishaps.
Reviewing the preparedness of emergency response systems, Sharma highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare facilities located along the National Highway. He directed officials to assess the functioning of hospitals situated on major road corridors and ensure that adequate medical infrastructure, emergency equipment and trained personnel are available to provide immediate assistance to accident victims.
He said that timely medical intervention plays a crucial role in saving lives during road accidents.
To streamline traffic management within Rajouri town, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) to issue a public notice inviting contract carriage vehicle operators to submit the required documents for verification and regulation. He emphasized the need for proper monitoring of passenger transport services to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and passenger safety norms.
The meeting also discussed the increasing use of e-rickshaws in urban areas. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper regulation of e-rickshaw operations and implement necessary measures to maintain traffic discipline and road safety within municipal limits.
Road safety action plans submitted by various departments were reviewed in detail.
Directions were issued for the installation of reflective mirrors at vulnerable locations, particularly in areas with sharp bends and limited visibility, including Salani. The Deputy Commissioner also called for the installation of crash barriers at critical stretches to minimize the impact of accidents and enhance road safety.
Special emphasis was laid on improving safety measures around educational institutions situated along the National Highway. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to install appropriate cautionary and informative signages near government and private schools and colleges to alert motorists and ensure the safety of students and pedestrians.
The functioning of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system at Chingus was also reviewed during the meeting. Officials discussed the role of the system in monitoring vehicle movement and strengthening traffic enforcement measures.
Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ravi Kumar Sihag, Superintending Engineer PWD, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Executive Engineers, representatives of the Border Roads Task Force, Executive Officer Municipality and other district and sectoral officers attended the meeting and shared inputs regarding ongoing road safety initiatives.
The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring safer roads and reducing accidents through effective planning, improved infrastructure and coordinated action by all concerned departments.
