Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda and Chairman, District Road Safety Committee Krishan Lal, today chaired the meeting of 3rd District Road Safety Committee to review the road safety scenario in the district and assess the implementation of measures aimed at reducing road accidents and improving traffic safety.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Anil Kumar Thakur, Chief Planning Officer Manesh Kumar, ASP Headquarters Mohd. Aslam, ACR Ashraf Pervaz, Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Atul Gupta, DySP Traffic Shokat Ali, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Er. Anil Kumar Mehar, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vinod Sharma, Motor Vehicle Inspector and other line departments. ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, Sub Divisional Magistrates ARTO and other officers attended the meeting through virtual mode.
During the meeting, the DC directed NHIDCL, PMGSY, BRO and PWD to submit detailed reports of road accidents to the Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B), who is the Secretary of the District Road Safety Committee, along with timely Action Taken Reports (ATRs).
A detailed review of the 14 identified accident hotspots in the district was conducted. The DC directed the concerned agencies to ensure installation and regular maintenance of crash barriers, rumble strips, cautionary signages and other road safety measures at all vulnerable locations.
He further instructed PMGSY, PWD, NHIDCL and BRO to undertake road safety audits of all roads under their jurisdiction, identify additional accident-prone spots and submit a comprehensive mitigation plan. Emphasising regular monitoring, the DC directed all concerned departments to remove encroachments and clear construction or dumping material lying along roadsides, particularly on single-lane roads to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic movement.
The DC instructed SDMs and the ADC Bhaderwah to closely monitor roadside encroachments and ensure that no construction material or debris obstructs public roads. He directed them to identify suitable locations along highways and in town peripheries for parking accidentally damaged vehicles so that they do not pose a risk to commuters.
The meeting also reviewed the status and maintenance of crash barriers installed at accident hotspots, with directions for their regular inspection and upkeep. The functioning of roadside toilet complexes established by NHIDCL was also reviewed.
The DC directed the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply besides proper maintenance of these facilities for the convenience of travellers. Reviewing the enforcement measures, the DC assessed the challans issued for rash and negligent driving, helmetless riding and uninsured vehicles.
He directed the ARTO and Traffic Police to intensify enforcement drives and take strict action against traffic violators to improve compliance with road safety regulations. Reviewing road safety awareness programmes being conducted across the district, the DC directed ARTO, Traffic Police and Health Department to work in close coordination to strengthen public awareness, emergency response and post-accident care.
He further instructed the Health Department to ensure that benefits under the PM Rahat Scheme are extended promptly to every eligible road accident victim to facilitate timely medical treatment.