KUPWARA: A valedictory function of National Road safety Month-2024 was today organized by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in collaboration with Transporters Welfare Associations at Town Hall Kupwara.
The function was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan.
District Information Officer Kupwara, Iftikhar Naseem, ARTO Kupwara, Anees Ahmad Wani, District Transport Incharge Kupwara, Chairman, Western Bus Association Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Mir, President Sumo Stand, Showkat Ahmad Mir and other heads of Transport associations were present on the occasion.
Addressing the impressive gathering, the DC, who is also Chairperson, District Road Safety Committee, urged drivers to adhere to the road safety rules. She said that the main objective behind observing Road Safety Month is to raise mass awareness about safety and security of road users and to minimize the numbers of death and injuries caused due to various road accidents.
The DC congratulated the Motor Vehicles Department and Transport Associations for their efforts for holding maximum awareness/ events during the Road Safety Month.
She said that the transport sector is a vibrant sector which plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities and generating revenue. It serves as a cornerstone for economic activity and development.
Elaborating on road safety aspects, DC said that drivers and commuters have to make behavior changes and adopt safety measures in driving which encompass a range of practices and technologies aimed at ensuring safety on the road.
Ayushi advised that road safety should be a priority every single day. It is important for everyone to practice safe driving habits, follow traffic laws, and stay vigilant on the roads to help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
The DC directed ARTO Kupwara to organize awareness camps for the drivers who are not insured and asked presidents of transport associations to get all drivers insured under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantra Surakhsha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
ARTO Kupwara, while addressing the gathering, impressed upon all the transporters, vehicle owners, drivers, conductors, travelers and road users to strictly follow road safety and traffic rules. He said that the only way to decrease the number of road accidents is adherence to traffic laws and behavior change.
Chairman, Western Bus Association Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Mir also spoke on the occasion and urged drivers to adopt a passenger-friendly approach and drive with utmost responsibility.
On the occasion, officials of the motor vehicles department and members of transport associations were felicitated with mementoes and trophies.