Nagpur: Chief Secretary Sujata Sainik on Wednesday, January 22, directed officials to prepare a district-wise action plan for the next three years to achieve zero road accident fatalities and implement effective road safety measures. She was speaking during a review meeting on road safety and accident control for Nagpur and Amravati divisions at the Divisional Commissioner’s office in Nagpur.
Sainik emphasized the need to collaborate with organizations like SaveLIFE Foundation to draft a comprehensive action plan aimed at achieving zero fatalities on roads by 2028. She also instructed officials to ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules, use advanced technology for speed control, and investigate accident causes to devise preventive measures.
Key Directives and Discussions:
• Traffic Safety Initiatives: Measures such as installing signboards, road dividers, and safety indicators at accident-prone areas on national and state highways as well as crowded urban locations were highlighted.
• Speed and Safety Awareness: Strict implementation of speed limits, helmet use, and seatbelt regulations was advised alongside public awareness campaigns.
• Golden Hour Medical Care: Saunik stressed the importance of ensuring timely medical treatment for accident victims. She instructed the registration of private and government hospitals to provide care under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the central government’s scheme, which covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days.
• Encroachment Removal: Immediate action to remove encroachments on roads and footpaths, improve lighting in dark areas, and prioritize necessary safety signboards was recommended. She suggested that funds be allocated from the District Planning Committee to address these issues.
Key Statistics and Achievements:
• Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar reported a 3% reduction in road accidents in Nagpur-Amravati divisions, attributing the improvement to focused measures and special inspection drives.
• Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar noted a 2.22% decline in accidents in Nagpur district due to targeted interventions on major roads.
• Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Archit Chandak stated that measures implemented at 18 of the 23 identified accident-prone locations in Nagpur city have reduced accidents by 75%. These include areas like NH-47 (Koradi Naka to Bharat Mata Square) and NH-53 (Umred).
Prominent officials present included Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal, Special Inspector General of Police Dr. Dilip Bhujbal, and representatives from SaveLIFE Foundation. Regional Transport Officers, District Collectors, and Municipal Commissioners from Nagpur and Amravati divisions also participated.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize road safety, with Sainik urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure safer roads for citizens.
