Himachal contemplating safety reform to make roads safer and commuters delight
Despite having a difficult terrain, Himachal Pradesh has developed a well-connected road network having the highest road density among all the other hill states of the country. The State Government is committed to make roads of Himachal Pradesh secure, safe and a delight for the commuters.
A heterogeneous traffic mix that includes high speed vehicles sharing the road space with vulnerable road users as well as unsafe vehicles that are in poor condition all contribute to the high fatality rates particularly in tough hilly terrains. Violation of traffic laws by most of drivers is one of the biggest concerns. Road safety is the major concern of State Government and various steps are being taken to ensure safe and comfortable transport facilities to the commuters.
The State Government has already notified Road Safety Policy and Himachal Pradesh is the first State in India where the Road Accident Data Management System was launched and implemented successfully for scientifically analysing the accident data. Remedial actions are being taken for reduction of accidents as well as fatalities. The system is functioning smoothly in the State.
In order to ensure a better traffic system and road safety on this national highway, now the State Government has decided to set up three new Traffic-cum- Tourist-Police stations on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane National Highway. These police stations will be opened in Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu districts. It will be operated with Intelligent Traffic Management System with Control Room at each police station.
Intelligent Traffic Management System with Control Room will ensure quick police assistance in case of accidents etc. on the four-lane. Advanced technology will be used for better coordination with the National Highway Authority of India and the State Police for smooth operation of traffic on this National Highway and reducing the chances of accidents etc.
Under this, emergency call boxes along with high tech CCTV cameras, automatic traffic counter-cum-classifiers, Vehicle Actuated Speed Displays and Overhead Driver Feedback System, variable message sign, video incident detection system and Met device are also being installed. Apart from this it also has command and control centre at toll plaza and connectivity through optic fiber along the National highway.
All these initiatives of the State Government will go a long way in making traveling in Himachal Pradesh more safe, secure and enjoyable.