Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Praising the city’s e-rickshaw initiative at a high-level road safety review meeting in the city on Thursday, Supreme Court Road Safety Committee chairperson and retired SC judge, Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, set a six-month deadline for reducing road accidents and improving traffic management.
The review covered five years of accident data, identification of black spots, vehicle fitness enforcement, driving tests, license and insurance compliance, and control on overloading and speeding.
Justice Sapre emphasised the need for coordinated efforts from all departments, including district administration, police, and the municipal corporation. He instructed officials to prepare a time-bound action plan, with visible improvements expected within the first three months, assuring the Committee’s support.
Addressing rising fatalities, he called for urgent enforcement of traffic rules, especially the use of helmets and seatbelts, strict action against drunk driving, and encouragement of public transport to reduce road congestion.
He also emphasised the mandatory use of helmets and seatbelts by government officials, including police personnel. Recommendations were made to include school and college students in helmet mandates and involve the media in awareness campaigns.
Justice Sapre stressed effective implementation of the Rakshak Yojana and Cashless Treatment Scheme for accident victims. He urged large institutions to provide transport facilities to staff and encouraged families to teach children about road safety.
Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh said innovative measures are being adopted, while Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra pledged stricter enforcement and community engagement.
Justice Sapre flags off Road Safety Mission under SC oversight from MP
IIT-Madras to assist 15 districts in safety roadmap
“Madhya Pradesh will lead the way in road safety, just as Indore did in cleanliness.”
Justice Sapre chaired the state-level road safety meeting alongside Chief Secretary Anurag Jain during which he launched a Road Safety Mission under the oversight of SC from Madhya Pradesh.
Justice Sapre also chaired the state-level road safety meeting alongside Chief Secretary Anurag Jain. Stressing the mission’s urgency, he said, “Madhya Pradesh will lead the way in road safety, just as Indore did in cleanliness.” He proposed long-term and short-term road safety policies for all 55 districts, inspired by successful models like that of Sweden’s.
Chief Secretary Jain announced a roadmap involving IIT-Madras to assist nine districts initially, expanding to six more later. Departments including police, urban bodies, PWD, and health will coordinate efforts.
Plans include automatic testing stations, more driving institutes, better ambulance services, faster emergency response, and school-based awareness programs.
District road safety committees will meet regularly, and dedicated road safety funds will be utilized effectively. A presentation of the state’s road safety action plan was made by Transport Commissioner Vivek Sharma.
The committee will soon visit Narmadapuram and Narsinghpur for district-level reviews, having already completed a review in Indore.
CP issues order making helmets, seatbelts must for staff
Bhopal commissioner of police Harinarayanachari Mishra has ordered that all officers and employees posted in all police units of district Bhopal will compulsorily wear helmets while driving two-wheelers and must wear seat belts while driving four-wheelers; otherwise strict departmental punitive action will be taken.
Key priorities
Targeting black spots, speeding, and vehicle fitness enforcement
Mandatory helmet and seatbelt use for all, including government officials
Focus on cashless treatment for accident victims and effective rollout of Rakshak Yojana
Boosting road safety awareness among students and promoting institutional transport facilities
Encouraging public transport, regular district-level reviews and visible action plan in 3 months.
