In a significant move to tackle the rising menace of road accidents and enhance traffic discipline across Bihar, the state's transport department convened a crucial review meeting on Monday. The virtual conference, led by Transport Secretary Raj Kumar, brought together all District Transport Officers (DTOs) to chart a concrete action plan.
Beyond Enforcement: A Holistic Strategy for Safer Roads
Secretary Raj Kumar set the tone by emphasising that effective road safety cannot be achieved through punitive measures alone. He asserted that sustainable improvement hinges on two core pillars: well-trained drivers and widespread public awareness. This marks a strategic shift towards addressing the root causes of accidents rather than just their consequences.
To translate this vision into action, Kumar issued clear directives. He instructed every district to immediately identify and submit a detailed list of hazardous locations. These include sites desperately needing foot overbridges, zebra crossings, or traffic signals, with a specific order to prioritise known accident black spots for urgent safety upgrades. "This compiled information will empower the department to formulate targeted plans and execute necessary measures at the state level," Kumar stated.
Official Drivers to Undergo Mandatory Safety Training
In a bid to ensure safer operation of government vehicles, the secretary ordered all districts to promptly furnish updated lists of all drivers employed by the government or on contract. In a key announcement, he revealed that these drivers will receive specialised road safety training at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR). This initiative aims to instil strict adherence to traffic rules and elevate overall safety standards among those behind the wheels of official transport.
State-Wide Awareness Campaigns to Complement Measures
Recognising that infrastructure and training must be supported by informed citizenry, Kumar called for an extensive awareness drive. He directed officials to organise road safety awareness programmes in all districts, bolstered by comprehensive publicity efforts. The goal is to cultivate a culture of responsibility among all road users.
Expressing confidence in the cooperation of district officials, the transport secretary urged them to treat the instructions with utmost seriousness and submit the required details promptly. This, he stressed, is essential for enabling robust, coordinated state-level actions. Raj Kumar concluded by reiterating that the triad of safe roads, trained drivers, and aware citizens is indispensable for significantly reducing road accidents in Bihar.
The high-level meeting saw participation from several senior officials, including State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan, and Additional Secretaries Praveen Kumar and Krityanand Ranjan.
