Assam CM's Initiative to Enhance Road Safety and Decrease Accidents
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Guwahati, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced on Thursday that the state government is committed to implementing extensive measures aimed at making roads safer and minimizing accident-related deaths.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, CM Sarma expressed, "As the festive season approaches, we are dedicated to ensuring that our roads are secure, aiming to lower accidents and fatalities by at least 20 percent. Directives have been issued for stringent monitoring of vehicles and prevention of drunk driving incidents."
Recently, Chief Minister Sarma convened a video conference with District Commissioners, Police Superintendents, and officials from the Transport and Excise Departments to evaluate the state’s road accident situation, enforce road safety laws, and review measures implemented by the Transport and Police Departments to lessen such occurrences.
During this meeting, the Transport and Police Departments shared valuable insights into the factors contributing to road accidents in various districts, particularly focusing on incidents involving alcohol consumption in Guwahati.
The Chief Minister underscored that strict measures will be enforced across the state by January 15, 2025, to curb driving under the influence of alcohol, especially after 10 p.m.
Additionally, he instructed relevant departments to guarantee proper lighting at foot over-bridges and flyovers, while also tackling the issue of accidents occurring on rural roads.
He directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that speed breakers are installed at critical locations such as schools, hospitals, and police stations.
CM Sarma mandated the construction of two speed breakers within every kilometer of rural roads, emphasizing that their positioning and design should be discussed with local residents.
He also urged the Chief Secretary to oversee the publication of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this initiative and highlighted the necessity of incorporating street lights, speed breakers, and signboards into road construction projects.
Furthermore, CM Sarma issued specific instructions to the Police Superintendents of border districts regarding the regulation of vehicle entry.
He emphasized the need for roadside eateries (dhabas) along national highways to offer adequate parking facilities and prohibited the parking of trucks in front of these establishments.
