Tripura Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury stresses strict enforcement, public awareness, and infrastructure improvements ahead of National Road Safety Month, aiming to reduce road accidents through coordinated district-level action and renewed school-based safety programs.
State Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has called for strict enforcement of traffic laws and coordinated administrative action to significantly reduce road accidents across Tripura. He directed all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police to initiate comprehensive preparations for the upcoming National Road Safety Month, scheduled to be observed in January.
The directive was issued while the minister chaired the 17th meeting of the State Road Safety Council at the Secretariat on Monday. Emphasizing collective responsibility, Chowdhury stated that every district and subdivision must actively involve all relevant government departments, enforcement agencies, and elected representatives to ensure the success of the month-long road safety campaign.
During the meeting, the minister stressed that reducing road accidents requires a dual approach—enhanced public awareness and strict legal enforcement. Key discussions focused on strengthening monitoring mechanisms, imposing heavier fines for violations, and suspending driving licenses of habitual offenders. Officials were instructed to ensure that traffic laws are enforced uniformly without exception.
Chowdhury reviewed recent road accident statistics presented by district-level road safety councils and evaluated the effectiveness of existing measures. He highlighted the need for better coordination among departments to identify accident-prone zones and implement preventive strategies in a timely manner.
District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from all eight districts participated in the meeting virtually, sharing updates on local road safety initiatives and enforcement drives. Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, Subrata Choudhury, presented a detailed pictorial report outlining the council’s ongoing programs and future strategies aimed at improving road safety standards.
The minister also drew attention to infrastructure-related concerns, particularly the quality of national highway construction. He emphasized the urgent need for well-designed pedestrian zones, proper footpaths, and effective drainage systems to prevent waterlogging, which often leads to accidents. Chowdhury announced that a formal letter would be sent to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to highlight these critical issues.
Additionally, the minister confirmed that the state will once again launch the “Jagriti” awareness program in schools and colleges. Conducted jointly by the Transport, Food, and Higher Education departments, the initiative aims to educate students on road safety, consumer rights, and the dangers of substance abuse. The program received widespread appreciation last year and is expected to play a key role in shaping responsible future citizens.
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Senior officials present at the meeting included Finance Secretary Apurba Roy, IGP (Law & Order) Manchak Ippar, Traffic Superintendent Kanta Jahangir, and representatives from PWD and NHIDCL.
With coordinated planning and firm enforcement, the upcoming National Road Safety Month is expected to become a crucial step toward saving lives and making Tripura’s roads safer.
