In a decisive move to prevent accidents during the dense winter fog, Ludhiana's top administrative officer has issued strict, time-bound directives to multiple government agencies. Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain chaired a crucial district road safety committee meeting on Tuesday, demanding immediate action and adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards lapses that endanger lives on Punjab's perilous highways and roads.
Immediate Installation of Reflective Guides
Addressing the pressing need for better visibility, Jain ordered the urgent installation of critical reflective infrastructure. He mandated that cat's eyes, reflectors, and blinkers must be installed within just five days on identified high-risk stretches. This includes dangerous dividers, canal-side roads, and sharp turns. These devices are vital for guiding drivers in low-visibility conditions by reflecting vehicle headlights.
Crackdown on Vehicles and Infrastructure Upgrades
The orders also included a multi-pronged strategy targeting both vehicles and road engineering. To curb the frequent and deadly rear-end collisions involving heavy vehicles, Jain directed strict enforcement for all commercial vehicles. Officials from the District Industries Centre, GST, and Excise departments have been tasked with ensuring retro-reflective yellow tapes are fitted on all commercial transports.
Similarly, Roadways and PRTC officials must ensure their buses are equipped, while the cooperation and agriculture departments will oversee compliance for tractor-trolleys. For specific high-accident zones like the Ladhowal Bypass and the stretch from Samrala Chowk to the Toll Plaza towards Jalandhar, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been given an immediate mandate. They must install speed barriers, rumbler stripes, blinkers, signages, and view cutters without delay.
Strict Enforcement and Compliance Deadline
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized rigorous enforcement of existing laws. He ordered intensive 'challaning' or penalizing of vehicles that are illegally modified or overloaded, in clear breach of the Motor Vehicles Act. A detailed report on this action is due by January 5, 2026. Furthermore, school buses will face special checks to verify compliance with the Safe School Vahan Policy, with a stern warning that violations directly risk children's lives.
To ensure accountability, a wide range of departments including all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Traffic Police, General Managers of Roadways and PRTC, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana, Public Works Department (PWD), Mandi Board, and NHAI have been directed to submit their compliance reports by January 5. A high-level review meeting is already scheduled for January 6 to assess progress. Jain issued a clear warning of strict disciplinary action against any official or agency found failing in their duties.
