GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 29: Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee at the VC Room, DC Office, Ganderbal, to review road safety measures and implementation of the road safety plan in the district.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the road safety plan formulated by the PW(R&B) Department, Ganderbal, and took detailed stock of the proposed works and interventions aimed at reducing road accidents and improving safety for commuters and pedestrians.

The DC directed the concerned agencies to ensure time bound completion of all proposed road safety works and stressed upon the officers to accord priority to measures aimed at preventing accidents, particularly at identified accident-prone areas and black spots.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the departments to ensure installation of crash barriers at vulnerable stretches, particularly along identified accident prone locations, besides installation of adequate and clearly visible road signages and retro reflective signage along the roads for improved visibility and guidance of motorists.

He further directed the concerned agencies to identify and address accident-prone areas and black spots on priority and ensure necessary engineering and safety interventions at such locations. He also called for installation of speed breakers at appropriate locations in accident-prone and populated areas to regulate vehicular speed and enhance pedestrian safety.

The DC stressed upon the concerned departments to ensure proper maintenance and repair of footpaths and other pedestrian facilities and directed that necessary measures be taken to make roads safer and more accessible for pedestrians.

Reviewing traffic management measures, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Municipal Council Ganderbal to install traffic lights at Towheed Chowk and ensure their timely operationalisation for effective regulation of traffic at the busy intersection. He also directed the concerned agencies to ensure appropriate traffic safety measures along the Hospital Road.

The DC directed the concerned agencies to ensure that road diversions are properly marked and equipped with adequate safety measures, including appropriate signage and visibility arrangements. He further stressed upon the concerned departments to ensure necessary measures at blind bends and other vulnerable stretches to alert motorists and minimise the risk of accidents.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised close coordination among the concerned departments for implementation of road safety measures and directed that all agencies regularly inspect vulnerable stretches and take corrective measures without delay.

He also directed NHAI and BEACON/BRO to ensure availability of ambulance services for emergency response along the concerned road stretches and directed that the toll-free contact numbers of the ambulance/emergency services be prominently publicised for the convenience of the general public.

The DC stressed upon all concerned officers to ensure strict compliance with road safety measures and directed that the progress of the works be regularly monitored. He called for a coordinated approach involving the R&B, NHAI, Traffic Police, Municipal Council and other concerned agencies to minimise accidents and improve overall road safety in the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Executive Engineer PW(R&B) Division Kangan, Executive Engineer PMGSY Division Ganderbal, Executive Engineer KPDCL Ganderbal, Executive Engineer PHE Jal Shakti Division Ganderbal, Executive Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Division Ganderbal, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Ganderbal, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal and representative of NHAI and BRO, besides other concerned officers.