Ludhiana/Jalandhar (WebDesk)
27 January 2024
Edited by: Sandeep Dhand
In a groundbreaking move, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the state’s Road Safety Force in Jalandhar, marking a significant step towards enhancing road security. The force, equipped with 144 advanced technology vehicles, aims to provide prompt assistance to victims of road accidents.
During the unveiling, Chief Minister Mann expressed the historic nature of the day, announcing that a Road Safety Force vehicle will be stationed every 30 kilometers across the state. The force’s helpline, accessible at 112, ensures quick response and assistance. Mann emphasized the urgency of addressing road accidents, citing instances where even celebrities like Jaspal Bhatti had tragically lost their lives.
The fleet of 144 vehicles, procured from reputed companies, is laden with cutting-edge technology to monitor and regulate vehicle speed. These vehicles are strategically stationed near hospitals, ensuring swift access for timely aid. Notably, the road security force received comprehensive training in Kapurthala.
Praising the initiative, Mann declared Punjab the first state to establish a dedicated Road Safety Force. The force aims to compile and provide monthly data on accidents, fostering transparency and accountability. Mann anticipates a significant reduction in road accidents starting from February, emphasizing that road safety is a collective responsibility, irrespective of who occupies the vehicle.
While applauding the progress made, Chief Minister Mann urged the public, particularly Punjabis, to refrain from engaging in stunts on roads, contributing to a safer driving culture. He emphasized the importance of responsible behavior to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all road users.
Addressing the force directly, Mann instructed members to execute their duties with utmost honesty. Continuous camera monitoring ensures accountability, with strict penalties for offenses like drinking and driving. Mann asserted that any attempt to issue challans away from the surveillance of cameras would be deemed corruption. He highlighted the closure of the recommendation culture in Punjab, emphasizing that job opportunities within the safety force would be solely merit-based.
In his closing statements, Mann underscored the need to alleviate the suffering of the people and enhance overall happiness. He pledged to create an environment where individuals feel completely secure on Punjab’s roads, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safety and well-being.
The Road Safety Force, initially established to aid accident victims, now receives a significant boost with the addition of technologically advanced vehicles. The deployment of these vehicles along highways ensures a proactive approach to accident prevention and swift response in case of emergencies. Each vehicle is equipped not only with cutting-edge technology but also carries first aid boxes, underlining the force’s commitment to providing immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Punjab’s Road Safety Force stands as a model for other states, combining innovation, transparency, and a people-centric approach to address the critical issue of road accidents. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s vision and leadership position Punjab at the forefront of road safety initiatives in the country. The launch of this hi-tech force signifies a new era in ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens traversing Punjab’s roads.