Assam govt requests Gadkari to take up black spots with NHAI and NHIDCL 

Guwahati, January 19: Assam Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary attending (virtually) the 40th meeting of Transport Development Council (TDC) held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today highlight the need for wiping out black spots on highways to prevent fatal road mishaps.

The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MORTH) under the chairmanship of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

Addressing the council, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that Government of India plays the role of a facilitator with support of the respective state governments. ‘Only due to the quick and sincere implementation of the Central Motor Transport Acts and Rules, rapid change in the road transport scenario is being witnessed in India which is fast catching up in line with the developments in the transport sector of the developed countries.

From improvements in vehicle fuel quality to BSVI engine development, improvements in electric vehicles and batteries, introduction of hybrid vehicles, etc., India is emerging as a world leader in the automotive sector.’

On the issue of black spots, State Transport Minister Patowary requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to take up the matter with NHAI and NHIDCL to address road design flaws and other technicalities to reduce road fatalities. 

Minister Patowary said, ‘Assam has been regularly interacting with the stakeholders of road safety council and extensive enforcement drive is being carried out to minimize the number of road accidents and fatalities.’ 

Stating the action plan for observation of the national road safety month at state, district as well as panchayat level, Patowary added, ‘Awareness programmes are being planned on good Samaritan law and ‘Path Surakha Mitras’ have been identified to extend quick response to road accident victims.’ 

The Transport Minister further deliberated on Digi Locker, road accident data management system, introduction of electric bus, free pink bus service for senior citizens and women, collection of online motor vehicle tax, delivery of driving license, registration etc. through post.