HP mulls new transport policy with focus on road safety

A new transport policy with focus on road safety, efficiency and introduction of state-of-the-art technology is on the anvil in Himachal Pradesh.
The comprehensive policy would have a well-planned modernisation strategy to bring down the accident rate by 90 per cent in the coming years, state Transport Minister G S Bali said today.
Besides, introducing the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS)-equipped buses, feasibility of introducing alternate modes of transport like ropeways would also be explored for decongesting road traffic, he said.
Bali indicated that the Kalka-Shimla National Highway, which is one of the high-traffic density roads, has been identified for exploring alternate transport including ropeway involving private players, and said the new transport policy would be announced within 100 days.

"The policy would take care of all aspects like growing needs of the public transport system, inflow of the tourists traffic, condition of roads, parking and training of drivers and all stake holders including PWD, Tourism and police will be involved in formulation of user-friendly policy," he said.
The minister said he would invite suggestions from MLAs, panchayat bodies, the Leader of Opposition and civil society before the draft is finalised. The cabinet will later discuss the policy.

He announced to provide Rs 25 lakh for training drivers, Rs 50 lakh to police to purchase laser speed guns to check over-speeding and rash driving at accident-prone routes, Rs 40 lakh for creating mass awareness on road safety and holding periodic freshers' course for the drivers.

"There will be district-level road safety committees under Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrates, and they will get traffic monitoring kits with budget allocation of Rs 22 lakh and Rs 18 lakh respectively," he said.
On road map to reduce bus accidents, Bali said he has given a target to reduce the incidents of mishaps by 50 per cent in the next three years, up to 75 percent in another two years and bring it down to 90 per cent thereafter.
There is a proposal to introduce Road Accidents Data Management System (RADMS), and to start e-challaning of vehicles for traffic violations.

Strict punitive measures will be adopted in the policy like cancelling of licences of drivers and withdrawal of permits if road safety norms are not adhered to, the minister added.