Gangtok, Feb 7: Sikkim officially launched National Road Safety Month 2025 with a rally aimed at promoting road safety across the state. The event, organized by the District Road Safety Committee in partnership with RTO Gangtok, was inaugurated by Tushar Nikhare, District Collector of Gangtok, on Friday at the SNT Complex.

The rally featured 25 bikers from various riding clubs, members of the Chalak Board, and students from West Point Senior Secondary School and Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School. The procession passed through key locations, including Hospital Dara and Lal Bazar, and concluded at the Tourist Information Centre on MG Marg.

Following the rally, a brief program was held at MG Marg, attended by Nikhare, Bijay Gurung, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Dilip Sharma, RTO Gangtok, and other officials. The speakers highlighted the urgent need for road safety awareness and responsible road use.

Prabal Rai, a prominent radio jockey, delivered the keynote speech, urging all road users, including pedestrians, to adhere to safety practices. Sonam N Bhutia, Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), presented concerning statistics, noting that India has the highest number of road accident fatalities globally, accounting for 11% of all road-related deaths. He also discussed the government’s target to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030.

The event concluded with a performance by the National Award-winning Brass Band from West Point Senior Secondary School, and participants proceeded to Manan Kendra for a road safety workshop.