Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee to review road safety measures being undertaken across the district and assess action taken on decisions made during previous committee meetings.
A comprehensive review stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments to reduce road accidents and ensure safer roads for commuters. The DC directed the departments concerned to conduct joint inspections of identified accident-prone locations (hotspots) and undertake post-accident analysis and recommend corrective measures.
Reviewing emergency response preparedness, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need to assess and strengthen the functioning of hospitals located along the National Highway to ensure timely medical assistance to accident victims.
To streamline traffic management within Rajouri town, the DC directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) to issue a public notice inviting contract carriage vehicle operators to submit the requisite documents. The Deputy Commissioner also directed the agencies concerned to ensure proper regulation of e-rickshaws operating in urban areas.
The meeting reviewed road safety action plans submitted by various departments. Directions were issued for the installation of reflective mirrors at vulnerable locations, including Salani, besides the installation of crash barriers at critical stretches.
The DC also emphasised the installation of appropriate cautionary and informative signages near government and private educational institutions situated along the National Highway. The functioning of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system at Chingus was also reviewed.
Among those present were Senior Superintendent of Police Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri 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.