SHIMLA: In a seminar focused on raising awareness about road safety, organized by the Public Works Department in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers and the Transport Department, Himachal Pradesh's Public Works Minister, Vikramaditya Singh emphasized the critical need to strictly adhere to road safety measures during road construction.
Singh highlighted that the responsibility extended beyond mere road construction; it also involved implementing measures and engineering techniques to ensure commuter safety.
Stressing the importance of maintaining road quality, he pointed out the numerous potential hazards on the roads and emphasized the role of road safety in safeguarding passengers and commuters.
Singh underscored the necessity for coordination among all line departments to prioritize road safety measures. Identifying and rectifying accident-prone spots, commonly referred to as black spots, was deemed a high priority.
He urged the collaboration of the public in creating awareness about the significance of road safety, envisioning a collective effort to reduce daily accidents and mishaps through the installation of signage and guidelines on National and State Highways.
The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to safety engineering techniques, urging officers to incorporate modern tools and Artificial Intelligence in studying road safety measures and black spots.
He expressed the government's dedication to providing a superior transport system, especially with the increasing focus on promoting tourism in the state.
Highlighting the historical significance of road development in Himachal Pradesh, Singh noted that what were once limited means of ensuring development had now evolved into an extensive road network connecting even the remotest corners of the state.
As the state aims to boost tourism significantly, he stressed the need for exceptional road quality and the best transportation system in the country.
Singh also emphasized the importance of road safety awareness for pedestrians and suggested that special awareness drives could play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department, Ajay Gupta, added that road refurbishment after the monsoons was a priority, with a focus on incorporating engineering techniques and ensuring safety measures.
The seminar also featured insights from key figures such as Dr. Umesh Sharma from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, A.J. Singh from the University Institute of Technology, and V.N Joshi, Chairman of the Institution of Engineers (Himachal Centre). Additional Commissioner of Transport, Naresh Thakur, provided further details on road safety measures.
