GUWAHATI, April 19 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today emphasised more effective policies to make best use of road safety measures in the country.
The Chief Minister said this while inaugurating the two-day meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways here.
Stating that a policy overhaul is required to boost road safety measures, Sonowal urged the governments to work steadfastly to tackle road accidents. He added that many a time speeding vehicles create serious threats to road safety and urged the governments to seriously engage in ensuring the safety of pedestrians.
The Chief Minister further said that recurring floods disrupt normal life in the State and severely damage road infrastructure. He mentioned this as a serious challenge for the State government and informed that a multi-pronged strategy is being adopted by Government of Assam to address the issue.
Transport Minister CM Patowary, in his speech, said that road accidents are presently on a downward trend in Assam.
He said there is a four per cent decrease in road accidents in the State as compared to the number of accidents last year.
Patowary also stated that the transport department is working in coordination with the PWD and health department to promote road safety.
Rajasthan Transport Minister Yoonus Khan, who is also Chairman of the GoM, said that the Union government has already taken steps to amend the Motor Vehicle Act as per recommendation of the GoM.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Abhoy Damle and Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam Alok Kumar also spoke at the inaugural programme.
