CM Sukhu Flags Off 27 Police Motorcycles for Enhanced Road Safety in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, February 16 – In a significant move to enhance road safety and improve law enforcement, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off 27 police motorcycles from Oak Over in Shimla on Sunday. This initiative is part of a larger effort to improve traffic regulation and response times across the state, particularly in the districts of Kangra and Mandi, which will receive the bulk of the new motorcycles. The Chief Minister also announced plans to provide additional vehicles and state-of-the-art equipment to further strengthen road safety measures.
Distribution of Motorcycles and Vehicles for Road Safety
As part of the new road safety initiative, 14 motorcycles will be allocated to the Kangra District Police, while the remaining 13 motorcycles will be assigned to the Mandi District Police. These motorcycles will enable police officers to patrol and respond to road safety issues more effectively, especially in urban and rural areas where traffic enforcement and timely action are critical. The motorcycles are expected to play a crucial role in improving traffic management, enforcement, and public awareness of road safety rules.
Moreover, the Chief Minister also unveiled plans to enhance the overall rescue and law enforcement capabilities across the state. As part of these plans, 42 four-wheelers, including 14 interceptor vehicles and 10 rescue vehicles, will be distributed to the Shimla, Nurpur, Mandi, and Kangra police districts. These vehicles will assist in faster response times during emergencies, accidents, and other rescue operations. The allocation of these resources marks a significant step in improving the state’s road safety infrastructure and law enforcement network.
Budget Allocation for Road Safety Equipment
In a further push to bolster road safety, the Himachal Pradesh government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 90 crore for the procurement of a wide range of 3,373 road safety equipment for the four police districts mentioned above. This investment is part of the state’s broader vision to modernize its road safety enforcement measures and ensure a safer environment for all road users.
To date, more than 1,200 pieces of equipment worth Rs 5.71 crore have already been provided to the police department. The remaining resources will be made available over time, contributing to the efficient functioning of traffic enforcement and safety protocols across the state.
Introduction of Integrated Road Safety Enforcement System
A key feature of the ongoing road safety initiative is the establishment of an Integrated Road Safety Enforcement System (IRSES), with an investment of about Rs 60 crore. This system will be implemented in the Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi districts, where it will be linked to more than 450 artificial intelligence-based surveillance cameras. These smart cameras will play an instrumental role in monitoring traffic violations, ensuring that drivers adhere to traffic rules, and identifying potential risks on the roads in real-time.
The introduction of AI-based surveillance cameras is expected to streamline traffic enforcement and make it more efficient. With this system in place, authorities will be able to monitor traffic flow and law enforcement from a central command center, ensuring swift action against violators and reducing the chances of accidents caused by reckless driving.
Road Improvement Plans and Public Works Support
To further enhance road safety, the government has devised a collective action plan with an estimated cost of Rs 34.66 crore. The primary objective of this plan is to improve the safety of the road network in the Shimla district, especially those links that have been identified as unsafe. Under the plan, 20 percent of the unsafe link roads in the district will be upgraded to meet modern safety standards. The Public Works Department (PWD) and other related departments will collaborate in implementing these improvements.
This initiative will focus on improving road infrastructure, making it more durable and safe for motorists. The upgrades will include resurfacing of roads, installation of road signs, enhanced lighting, and better marking to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Training for Road Safety and Rescue Operations
As part of its commitment to improving road safety, the state government has launched several training programs aimed at improving the preparedness of police and emergency personnel. The Good Samaritan Law Awareness Program, which focuses on road safety education, has been successfully rolled out in seven districts across the state. The program has reached over 300 police and home guard personnel, who have been trained in basic life-saving techniques to assist accident victims in critical situations.
Additionally, more than 200 police officers have received specialized training in traffic safety enforcement and road accident investigation techniques. These initiatives are designed to ensure that law enforcement personnel are well-equipped to handle traffic-related incidents and accidents efficiently.
International Road Assessment Program (IRAP) Survey
In an effort to assess the safety standards of the state’s road network, Himachal Pradesh has conducted the first-ever International Road Assessment Program (IRAP) survey, covering about 7,500 km of roads across the state. The survey involved evaluating the existing roads according to international safety standards, identifying potential hazards, and assessing the overall condition of the roads.
Based on the findings of the survey, a 10-year Safe Road Investment Plan has been drafted, with an estimated budget of Rs 3,200 crore. This plan will be implemented in phases and will focus on improving road safety by upgrading roads, enhancing signage, and ensuring that new roads are constructed according to global safety norms. The Public Works Department and the Transport Department will work closely to ensure the smooth implementation of the investment plan.
Positive Outcomes of Road Safety Initiatives
The state government’s ongoing initiatives to improve road safety have already shown positive results. Over the past two years, the number of road accidents in Himachal Pradesh has decreased by 6.48 percent. In 2023, there were 2,253 road accidents, while in 2024, the number dropped to 2,107. This reduction reflects the success of various road safety initiatives implemented by the government, including better enforcement, improved road conditions, and public awareness campaigns.
Moreover, the number of fatalities resulting from road accidents has also improved. In 2023, there were 892 deaths, while in 2024, the number decreased to 806. This decline in road accident deaths is a clear indicator that the government’s efforts to improve road safety are having a tangible impact.
Commitment to Road Safety and Public Support
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users. He acknowledged the crucial role played by road safety enforcement, improved infrastructure, and public awareness in reducing accidents and fatalities. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed to the public to actively support the government’s efforts by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding over-speeding, and wearing seat belts and helmets.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surendra Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, Director General of Police Atul Verma, and other senior officers from the police and transport departments were present at the flag-off ceremony. They expressed their support for the new initiatives and vowed to work together to improve road safety across the state.
The flagging off of 27 police motorcycles and the allocation of other resources for road safety mark an important step in Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to tackle road safety challenges. With enhanced law enforcement capabilities, better-equipped police forces, and significant investments in infrastructure and technology, the state is on track to create a safer and more efficient road network for its residents.
The government’s focus on road safety, combined with the active participation of police personnel, public officials, and citizens, will help pave the way for a future with fewer accidents and a more secure environment for all road users.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
