Agartala, December 24, 2024: The Tripura government has intensified efforts to eliminate road traffic accidents in the state, which annually records approximately 750 incidents resulting in 250 fatalities, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced on December 23.

Addressing the 15th meeting of the State Road Safety Council at the Secretariat in Agartala city, Chowdhury emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing accidents to zero. “Our main objective is to bring down road accidents and fatalities to zero through public awareness and preventive measures,” he stated.

Highlighting the government’s strategy, the minister noted the increased focus on public education regarding road safety. “Road accidents and loss of life can be avoided through caution and public awareness. Several initiatives have been undertaken at both the Central and state levels to address this issue,” he said.

The measures include deploying sophisticated traffic management equipment and interceptor vehicles. Additionally, a provision of Rs 5,000 as the Good Samaritan award has been introduced to encourage individuals to assist accident victims promptly.

Public awareness campaigns will also be launched across 25 colleges in Tripura to educate students on road safety, consumer protection, and the dangers of drug use. These initiatives will be implemented in collaboration with the Transport, Food, and Home Affairs departments.

Referring to directives from the Supreme Court Road Safety Committee, Chowdhury said the government has been tasked with reducing road accident fatalities by 10% annually. “As a result of various measures, the state’s road accident death rate declined by 13% in 2024 compared to 2023,” he revealed.

To further enhance road safety, the minister underscored the importance of bi-monthly District Road Safety Committee meetings and the formation of a dedicated Road Safety Wing in the state. “These steps are crucial to achieving our goal of safer roads in Tripura,” he concluded.