Dhami orders drafting proposal for cashless treatment of road accident victims 

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the departments of Transport and Health to make a proposal for cashless treatment of road accident victims in hospitals beyond the Ayushman scheme. He issued the instructions during a meeting of the Road Safety Council at the secretariat on Tuesday and told officials to take stronger measures to reduce road accidents across the State. Dhami asked officials to conduct strict checking in border areas and maintain special vigilance in hill regions. He instructed departments to ensure that vehicles do not operate with overloading and said authorities must create regular awareness among the public about traffic rules. He asked departments to use modern technology to strengthen traffic management. He told officials to maintain regular cleanliness and security campaigns at bus stations and take consistent action against those who violate traffic rules. He directed agencies to minimise response time in taking injured people to hospitals after road accidents. He said that repair work in rain-affected areas with heavy movement must be given top priority and asked departments to identify and adopt good practices from various districts. Dhami instructed authorities to focus on AI-based and technology-driven traffic management and said all districts must shift traffic systems to automated operations. He directed departments to complete widening work at identified black spots and organise regular first responder training programmes to prepare the public for emergency situations. He asked officials to prioritise installation and maintenance of crash barriers on hill roads and to create halt points in areas with basic facilities for travellers. He said that the Transport and Tourism departments should coordinate on these plans. He directed departments to strengthen traffic arrangements for the winter season, Char Dham Yatra and Nanda Raj Jat Yatra. Dhami said that the Transport department, Police and Public Works Department must hold monthly meetings on road safety. He asked the Forest department and district administrations to carry out plantation work along roads in hill regions. Dhami also honoured individuals who contributed to road safety efforts.