Kupwara, Feb 15: A valedictory function of National Road safety Month-2024 was organized today by Motor Vehicles Department in collaboration with Transporters Welfare Associations at Town Hall Kupwara which was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ms. Ayushi Sudan.
District Information Officer Kupwara, Iftikhar Naseem, ARTO Kupwara, Anees Ahmad Wani, District Transport Incharge Kupwara, Chairman, Western Bus Association Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Mir, President Sumo Stand , Showkat Ahmad Mir and other heads of Transport associations were present on the occasion.
Addressing the impressive gathering of members of transport associations and drivers, the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara who is also Chairperson, District Road Safety Committee, urged drivers to adhere to the road safety rules. She said that the main objective behind observing Road Safety Month is to give mass awareness about safety and security of road users and to minimize the numbers of death and injuries caused due to various road accidents.
The Deputy Commissioner congratulated the Motor Vehicles Department and Transport Associations for their efforts for holding maximum awareness/ events during the Road Safety Month.
DC said that the transport sector is a vibrant sector which plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities and generating revenue.
It serves as a cornerstone for economic activity and development.
Elaborating on road safety aspects, DC said that drivers and commuters have to make behavior changes and adopt safety measures in driving which encompass a range of practices and technologies aimed at ensuring safety on the road.
Ayushi Sudan advised that road safety should be a priority every single day. It is important for everyone to practice safe driving habits, follow traffic laws, and stay vigilant on the roads to help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
DC directed ARTO Kupwara to organize awareness camps for the drivers who are not insured and asked presidents of transport associations to get all drivers insured under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantra Surakhsha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
While acknowledging the contribution of drivers and transporters, DC added that drivers and transporters are partners in development of Kupwara district and have always played a crucial role in development.
ARTO Kupwara, while addressing the gathering impressed upon all the transporters, vehicle owners, drivers, conductors, travelers and road users to strictly follow road safety and traffic rules. He said that the only way to decrease the number of the road accidents is adherence to traffic laws and behavior change.
ARTO said that the Motor Vehicles department has undertaken several activities, ranging from free eye check up camps for drivers at Kupwara and Handwara in collaboration with the Health Department and pledges on road safety.
Chairman, Western Bus Association Kashmir, Mohd Shafi Mir also spoke on the occasion and urged drivers to adopt a passenger-friendly approach and drive with utmost responsibility. He demanded widening of Sopore-kupwara road and exposure tour for the drivers while terming drivers and transporters as life line of the society.
On the occasion, officials of the motor vehicles department and members of transport associations were felicitated with mementoes and trophies.
