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Jaipur, Nov 5 (IANS) Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Rajasthan government has launched a 15-day road safety campaign across the state from November 4 to 18. Under the campaign, officials are monitoring drunk drivers, closing down illegal highway cuts and intensifying enforcement to curb road accidents and ensure compliance with traffic norms.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the emergency response mechanism, with the Chief Minister’s Office closely monitoring the progress through consolidated reports from the Home Department.
Specific departmental responsibilities have been assigned for effective implementation. The police department acts as the nodal agency and area coordinator to oversee enforcement in all districts.
Special drives are underway to crack down on drunk driving, speeding, wrong-way driving and other major traffic violations. Legal action is being taken against vehicles without reflectors and number plates. Police and traffic teams have been deployed on all highways and major routes, while mobile highway patrol teams and ambulances are being monitored to ensure operational readiness.
A lane-driving system, on the lines of National Highway-48, is being implemented on all six-lane highways. The Department of Transport and Road Safety has started taking action to suspend and cancel driving licenses for offenders found guilty of drunk driving or speeding.
The department is also carrying out vehicle inspections, road safety workshops, awareness campaigns and installation of reflector tape on vehicles.
Meanwhile, agencies like the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been directed to close unauthorized cuts on highways within 15 days. Repair of white lining, safety railing, dividers and installation of signboards and warning signs is underway.
Officials are also removing illegal dhabas, bus stands and other unauthorized roadside structures. Efforts are being made to relocate stray animals from accident-prone areas and improve service lanes and rest areas for long-distance truck drivers.
The medical and health department is conducting eye examinations for drivers above 45 years of age, while ambulance services, trauma centers and nearby hospitals are being strengthened to ensure quick emergency response.
The Urban Development and Local Bodies Department is removing encroachments from footpaths, upgrading traffic signals and streetlights and displaying road safety messages through banners, posters and digital screens. The department is also re-evaluating the no-entry timings for heavy vehicles in urban areas.
The Labor Department has launched inspection and awareness campaign to prevent excessive driving hours and ensure adherence to rest period norms by transport companies. Punitive action will be taken on violation.
At the district level, the District Collector and Superintendent of Police are jointly monitoring the campaign through District Road Safety Committees. NGOs, youth groups and volunteers are actively participating in promoting the use of helmets and seat belts, discouraging use of mobile phones while driving and spreading awareness about safe road practices.
Under the campaign, citizens who help accident victims are also being honored for their contribution.
–IANS
Arch/PGH