Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Mandates Comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Initiatives
In a significant move aimed at improving urban mobility and road safety, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar issued a series of directives to the state's transport department on Saturday. The CM emphasized the urgent need to address the inconveniences faced by pedestrians across Bihar, particularly in bustling urban centers.
Key Directives for Enhanced Pedestrian Infrastructure
Nitish Kumar instructed transport officials to promptly identify crowded locations throughout the state and prioritize the construction of footpaths that adhere to established road safety standards. Additionally, he called for the installation of essential pedestrian facilities, including zebra crossings, foot overbridges with escalators, and underpasses at strategic points to ensure safe and convenient movement.
The CM also mandated comprehensive training programs for both government and private vehicle drivers. This initiative aims to foster greater sensitivity towards pedestrian rights and promote responsible driving behaviors on Bihar's roads.
Addressing Accident-Prone Areas and Technological Integration
Furthering his commitment to road safety, Nitish Kumar directed officials to pinpoint accident-prone zones, commonly referred to as black spots, in both rural and urban settings. At these identified locations, the construction of footpaths will be coupled with the installation of CCTV cameras. This dual approach is designed to facilitate thorough assessments and ultimately reduce the incidence of road accidents through enhanced monitoring and infrastructure improvements.
CM's Social Media Announcement and Policy Context
In a detailed post on his social media platforms, Nitish Kumar elaborated on the rationale behind these measures. "Under the 'Sabka Samman-Jeevan Aasan' (Ease of Living) component of the Saat Nishchay-3 program for the fiscal years 2025-30, we are continuously working to simplify the daily lives of all state citizens," he stated. "In this regard, we have taken several crucial decisions to uphold the dignity of pedestrians on our roads."
The CM highlighted Bihar's rapid developmental progress, noting that increasing incomes among residents have led to a surge in the number of two-wheelers and four-wheelers on state roads. "However, this growth in vehicular traffic has resulted in significant inconveniences for pedestrians. Walking safely and with dignity on the road is the fundamental right of every pedestrian," Nitish Kumar asserted in his post.
He confirmed that the state government has directed the transport department to expedite efforts to provide all the aforementioned facilities to pedestrians as swiftly as possible. "I am fully confident that this initiative will prove immensely beneficial for pedestrians across Bihar and will make their daily commutes more manageable," the CM added.
Background: The Saat Nishchay-3 Program
These directives are part of the broader Saat Nishchay-3 initiative, which received approval from the Bihar state cabinet led by Nitish Kumar on December 16 of the previous year. The program is slated to run for the next five years (FY 2025-30) with the overarching goal of elevating Bihar into the ranks of developed states within India.
To achieve the objective of 'development with justice,' the Bihar government has previously implemented two Saat Nishchay programs since 2015 as integral components of its good governance strategy. The latest phase continues this legacy, focusing on inclusive growth and enhanced public welfare through targeted infrastructural and policy interventions.
