Mann government's initiative improves safety on rural roads
Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): In yet another historic step towards good governance and public safety by the Punjab government, the Traffic and Road Safety Department of the state police, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has launched a campaign. This unique initiative will prove to be a milestone in strengthening safety on rural roads. Special DGP A.S. Rai launched the campaign by affixing reflective stickers to tractor-trolleys at the Bhago Majra toll plaza. This initiative is not only technically effective but also symbolizes the Mann government's sensitive and farmer-friendly approach.
In the first phase, reflective stickers will be installed on 30,000 tractor-trolleys, covering approximately 4,100 kilometers of Punjab's road network. This project is supported by Yara India and is being implemented by the Road Safety Force. This comprehensive approach demonstrates that the Punjab government is no longer limited to monitoring vehicles on the roads, but is prioritizing the safety of citizens, especially farmers.
The figures of 2,048 tractor-trolley accidents and 1,569 deaths between 2017 and 2022 are a stark warning in themselves. A large portion of these accidents involved farmers—the soul of Punjab. Chief Minister Mann's government took these statistics as a wake-up call and translated them into policy reforms and awareness campaigns. Holi Chalo is a significant step in this direction, demonstrating that Punjab will now become a leader not only in agricultural production but also in farmer safety.
Special DGP A.S. Rai said that this campaign is not just a safety measure, but a public awareness movement. Tractor-trolleys without lights or reflectors often cause road accidents at night in villages. However, with the help of reflective stickers, such vehicles will be visible from a distance, reducing accidents and creating a new awareness among the public about road safety. According to a Punjab Police report, the number of road accident deaths, especially those occurring within 24 hours of an accident, has significantly declined in 2024. This reduction is not merely a statistical phenomenon, but the result of the Mann government's policy vision – which has integrated law enforcement, road engineering and public awareness. (Advertorial)