Himachal's Road Safety: A Technological Shift and Skilled Police Force Needed
SHIMLA: The recent launch of 27 police motorcycles for road safety by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu marks a step in the government's efforts to tackle road safety in Himachal Pradesh.
While these initiatives are promising, the real question remains: will technology and revamped police force be enough to curb the rising concerns over road safety in the state?
Out of the 27 motorcycles, 14 will be deployed in Kangra district and 13 in Mandi, as part of a larger effort that includes 42 four-wheeler vehicles, 14 interceptor vehicles, and 10 wrecker vehicles. A budget of Rs. 90 crore has been set aside for 3,373 road safety equipment for police in these areas, with Rs. 5.71 crore already spent on over 1,200 pieces of equipment.
The more ambitious plan, however, lies in integrating artificial intelligence-based systems to monitor traffic. In Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi, over 450 AI-based speed and surveillance cameras will be rolled out. This digital transition promises enhanced monitoring, but one cannot help but wonder whether the technology alone will suffice without a properly ú and efficient police force to back it up.
Technology in law enforcement is certainly a leap forward, but it's equally important that this digital system is backed by a smart, skilled police force. Training 300 police personnel in life support and over 200 officers in road safety enforcement is a good start, but it’s essential to ensure that the human side of policing keeps up with the digital revolution.
The state government has also introduced the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) survey, which assessed the safety of 7,500 kilometers of roads. A 10-year Safe Road Investment Plan, costing an estimated Rs. 3,200 crore, has been outlined to address road safety across the state. However, these initiatives must be followed by proper implementation to ensure that road safety moves beyond mere plans and proposals.
In a positive light, the state has witnessed a decline in road accidents, with the total accidents falling from 2,253 in 2023 to 2,107 in 2024, and fatalities reducing from 892 to 806. But as we move into an era dominated by digital monitoring and AI, it is crucial to remember that these technologies should supplement a solid enforcement structure, not replace it.
Himachal Pradesh's path to safer roads is clear: use cutting-edge technology but ensure that it is supported by a well-trained, agile, and tech-savvy police force, as well as full cooperation from government departments. Only then can the state truly boast of a culture of safety on its roads.
