UDHAMPUR, AUGUST 24: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa today chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) to review and strengthen road safety measures across the district.

The meeting was attended by SE PWD Sanjeev Gupta, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anil Manhas, ARTO Mudassir Iqbal and senior officers from various concerned departments.

Detailed discussions were held on several key road safety issues, including road safety audits, removal of dumped material from roadsides, strict enforcement of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, identification of land for parking seized and impounded vehicles, utilization of road safety funds and assistance to accident victims under PM Rahat.

The committee also reviewed measures for identifying and rectifying black spots, regular road maintenance, prevention of overloading and overspeeding, curbing rash driving, strengthening traffic management, decongesting busy routes and installation of proper road signage.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination, ensure strict adherence to road safety norms and expedite safety-related works. He stressed the need for regular monitoring of vulnerable road stretches and timely corrective action.

He also emphasized conducting sustained road safety awareness programmes in colleges and other educational institutions to promote responsible road-user behaviour.

Executive Engineers of PWD and PMGSY were directed to ensure regular maintenance of roads to minimize the risk of accidents. The DC further directed officials to identify black spots and undertake corrective measures, including installation of signboards, road markings and crash barriers at vulnerable locations.

The Motor Vehicles Department and Traffic Police were directed to take strict action against traffic violators, particularly those involved in overloading, riding without helmets and overspeeding.

The Deputy Commissioner also called for joint inspections of vulnerable locations by the concerned departments and prompt implementation of corrective measures to make roads safer for commuters and the general public.