SRINAGAR: As part of ongoing National Road Safety Month, Transport Commissioner, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, participated in a series of events in Budgam aimed at enhancing road safety awareness. The event featured flagging-off of a fleet of vehicles dedicated to spread the message of road safety across the district. In addition, the Transport Commissioner inaugurated a special road safety campaign by pasting stickers bearing crucial safety messages on vehicles. These stickers highlight essential practices such as wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions and other measures to promote responsible driving.
Central to the campaign were these eye-catching stickers, bearing powerful messages such as “Think of Them: Drive Safe for Those Who Love You,” “Slow Down: Someone Loves You,” and “Drive Safe: Save Lives, Your Family Awaits.” These messages, which are being distributed across the region, will be placed on vehicle rear windshields as constant reminders for drivers to prioritise safety for themselves and others.
Speaking at the event, Vishesh Paul Mahajan underscored the critical importance of road safety and called for collective efforts to reduce road accidents and fatalities. He emphasised the role of awareness in fostering a culture of safe driving behaviour and urged all stakeholders to contribute towards this mission. Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Qazi Irfan Rasool, Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mehraj-u-din Wani, Assistant Regional Transport Officer Budgam, Mahnaz Chishti and DySP Traffic Budgam, Mujahid.
The initiative also saw active involvement from local drivers, youth and community members. The vehicles flagged off during the ceremony were equipped with safety features which will serve as mobile awareness units, spreading the message of road safety throughout Budgam. This initiative is part of a larger campaign to mitigate road accidents and promote a culture of safety in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Transport Commissioner, later, visited the Transport Bhawan in Bemina, which houses the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir, as well as the newly constructed Transport Commissioner’s office. RTO Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, provided a brief overview of department’s operations and enforcement activities. During the visit, the Transport Commissioner inspected the ongoing construction works at the Transport Bhawan. He directed the concerned Executive Engineer’s Roads & Buildings (R&B) and Power Development Department (PDD) to complete the project in a timely manner.
Later, the Transport Commissioner also chaired a review meeting where all Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) and RTO staff were instructed to address any online pending issues promptly and adhere strictly to the Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA). They were also directed to maintain a cordial relationship with the public besides ensuring transparency and efficiency within the department.
Later, Mahajan met with various transporters from the valley to hear their grievances and demands. He assured them that their legitimate concerns would be addressed promptly, reaffirming government’s commitment towards improving the transport sector in the region. This significant initiative reflects the administration's proactive approach towards ensuring safer roads and fostering a responsible driving culture across Jammu and Kashmir.
