Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer today chaired a meeting to review the road safety measures being taken by concerned departments in the districts of the division.The meeting was attended by Transport Commissioner, Chief Engineer PWD, RTO Jammu, Project Director NHAI, DGM NHIDCL besides senior functionaries of BRO (GREF), Health and other concerned departments, while Deputy Commissioners along with SSPs of Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar and DIGs, Chief Engineer BRO attended the meeting through video conferencing.The Div Com took a detailed review of road safety measures and the accident prone areas. The concerned Deputy Commissioners apprised the Div Com about the black spots, accident prone locations on the highways in their respective district.While reviewing the Udhampur to Chenani, Nashri to Banihal stretch, the Divisional Commissioner directed the NHAI to take necessary corrective steps on the vulnerable points where the accidents are reported mostly. The Div Com also suggested for installing signage, crash barriers and regular maintenance of roads.The Div Com also reviewed the progress of work on various stretches of National Highway from Udhampur to Banihal. He directed the NHAI to expedite the pace of work and ensure completion of each stretch within given timelines. He also directed the DC Udhampur and Ramban to regularly monitor the work progress and issue termination notices to the contractors showing poor progress to ensure completion of works within stipulated time frame.Similarly, DCs of Doda and Kishtwar also apprised the Div Com about the black spots, accident prone areas of their respective districts and corrective measures taken to minimize the accidents.The Deputy Commissioners informed the Divisional Commissioner that they have convened meetings of District level committees for smooth regulation of traffic in their respective districts and suggested measures/ steps to be taken for avoiding accidents in the districts.The DCs were directed to conduct road safety audits and identify the black spots and take necessary corrective steps to minimize the road accidents to save precious lives.The Div Com emphasized on the importance of enforcement of traffic rules and directed the DCs to constitute district level committees comprising SSP, officials of MVD for regular inspection of vehicles on roads, checking driving licenses, deployment of more traffic police on Highways at vulnerable points, and checking overloading. The NHAI was asked to provide the list of overloaded vehicles to the Transport Department for taking necessary actions against the violators. He also directed the NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, PWD to expedite the pace of work on various roads for their timely completion besides maintaining the existing road for providing safe passage to the commuters.Necessary directions were also issued for installation of signage on sharp curves, helpline numbers, crash barriers, reflections and other necessary steps to control the road accidents.The Transport Commissioner informed that a proposal has been sent to the government for providing Rs 50 lakh to each district for implementation of road safety measures.About the availability of emergency services, the Div Com was informed that adequate number of ambulances is in place to shift the injured in case of accidents.
