The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: To enhance road safety and minimise accidents across the state, the Himachal Pradesh Police have devised a comprehensive strategy focusing on effective enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. Recognising the pivotal role of rule enforcement in reducing road accidents, ensuring public safety and promoting adherence to traffic regulations, the police force is leveraging technology-based equipment for traffic enforcement.
The deployment of Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), breath analysers, laser speed guns and 4G body-worn cameras underscores the state police’s commitment to leveraging technology for road safety, the police said in a statement.
A total of 46 ITMS units have been strategically installed at various locations on national highways and state highways in Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, 18 new ITMS units, including 10 on the newly constructed Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, are in the process of installation and are expected to be operational by December 31, 2023.
As of October 30, 2023, a total of 6,99,618 e-challans have been issued in the state through ITMS, point-of-sale (POS) machines and Android phones, resulting in a fine amounting to Rs 27.40 crore. The performance under traffic challans, including issuance, compounding, and fine realisation, is regularly reviewed to ensure strict checks on traffic violations that may lead to road accidents.
Under a World Bank-funded programme, the Himachal Pradesh Police is procuring patrol vehicles, tow vehicles, interceptor vehicles and advanced equipment for police patrolling, rescue operations and emergency response in pilot districts, namely Shimla and Nurpur, and Safe Corridor Demonstration Project 1, Palampur-Shilla (Dharamshala).
The total outlay for this initiative is Rs 47.79 crore, covering Mandi and Kangra districts in subsequent phases. The bidding process for vehicles and equipment is underway, with delivery to pilot districts anticipated shortly, the statement read.
Director General of Himachal Pradesh Police Sanjay Kundu highlighted the achievements in road safety, noting a 13 per cent reduction in road traffic accidents (RTAs), a 19 per cent reduction in fatalities and a 15 per cent reduction in injuries from January 1 to December 1, 2023, compared to the same period last year.
Despite a 10 per cent growth in road lengths, 9 per cent growth in vehicle registrations annually, and an ever-increasing tourist influx, the state police have successfully reduced accidents. Kundu emphasised that the reduction in traffic accidents signified increasing awareness among drivers and the successful identification and mitigation of black spots on national highways and district roads.
