Transport minister issues strict orders to curb road accidents

Concerned over the rising number of road accidents in the state, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has issued strict instructions to the Transport Department. A key Zoom meeting was held under the leadership of Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj, attended by the minister, Commissioner Ilambarti, representatives of the Government Transport (GT)s and District Transport Committee (DTC)s, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, Minister Ponnam expressed concern over the frequent accidents across the state. Referring to a recent incident on Monday, he pointed out that although both vehicles involved were roadworthy, the narrow road and lack of dividers led to a serious accident. He emphasized the need to review the implementation of speed locks in vehicles and instructed that violations should attract triple penalties.

The minister stressed that the Transport Department’s enforcement wing must remain proactive at all times, not only during accidents. He urged officials to take strict, lawful action while ensuring that the public is not unduly harassed. Special attention was also directed toward tipper lorries transporting sand and dust, which must be covered with tarpaulins. DTCs and Regional Transport Office (RTO)s have been instructed to set up three monitoring teams in every district for continuous oversight. Farmers transporting paddy should not face harassment during transit.

Minister Ponnam warned that commercial vehicles, passenger buses, mining vehicles, and sleeper buses violating rules would face heavy fines and strict action. He directed officials to regularly check the fitness certificates and permits of school buses, trucks, tippers, and lorries, and to prepare a dedicated action plan for enforcement. Ahead of the upcoming Road Safety Month, he also asked the department to prepare proactive measures to raise public awareness.

What is road safety month? Road Safety Month is observed from January 1 to 31 across India by central and state governments to reduce road accidents and promote awareness of traffic rules through various campaigns and activities.