TNR
In a significant move to enhance road safety, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off 27 police motorcycles from his official residence Oak Over in Shimla on Sunday.
Of these, 14 motorcycles have been allocated to Kangra district police while 13 will be handed over to Mandi district police. The initiative is part of the state government’s broader plan to strengthen traffic enforcement and reduce road accidents.
42 vehicles, 14 interceptors for 4 police districts
In addition to the motorcycles, the state government has announced the provision of 42 four-wheelers, 14 interceptors and 10 rescue vehicles for police districts in Shimla, Nurpur, Mandi and Kangra.
These vehicles will be used for rescue operations and improving traffic management. A budget of Rs 90 crore has been allocated for the purchase of 3,373 road safety equipment for these four districts. So far, the police department has already received over 1,200 pieces of equipment worth Rs 5.71 crore.
To further modernise traffic enforcement, the state is setting up an Integrated Road Safety Enforcement System in Shimla, with an allocation of approximately Rs 60 crore. This system will be equipped with over 450 artificial intelligence-based speed and surveillance cameras across Shimla, Kangra and Mandi districts.
The initiative aims to enable digital monitoring of traffic violations and enhance enforcement efficiency. A comprehensive action plan has also been prepared, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 34.66 crore, to improve road safety infrastructure.
Under the plan, safety improvements will be implemented on 20% of the most vulnerable link roads in Shimla district. The Public Works Department (PWD) and other relevant agencies will collaborate to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.
Additionally, a Good Samaritan Law awareness programme is being conducted across seven districts to promote road safety awareness.
Over 300 police and home guard personnel have been trained in basic life support techniques, while more than 200 police officers have received advanced training in traffic enforcement and road accident investigation techniques.
For the first time, an International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) survey has been conducted for approximately 7,500 km of roads in Himachal Pradesh.
Based on the survey findings, roads have been rated according to safety standards, and a 10-year Safe Road Investment Plan has been prepared with an estimated investment of ₹3,200 crore. The plan involves the PWD, Transport Department, and other related agencies.
The flag-off event was attended by Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, Director General of Police Atul Verma and other senior officials.
The initiatives underscore the state’s commitment to ensuring safer roads and reducing accidents through modern technology, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced enforcement.
