Assam CS chairs state-level meet on road safety, enforcement

From Our Special Correspondent

GUWAHATI, May 22: Assam has recorded a 15 per cent reduction in road accidents and nearly 30 per cent reduction in fatalities during the period from April 28 to May 21, 2026, as compared to the corresponding period last year.

In regard to enforcement activities undertaken between January and April 2026, more than 1.92 lakh motor vehicle offence cases were registered across the state, with compensation amounting to Rs 18.48 crore realised during the period.

The data was revealed during a state-level meeting on road safety, enforcement and accident prevention measures, chaired by Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota in the presence of Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, with virtual participation of all district commissioners, superintendents of police and officials of the concerned departments.

Kota directed all districts to treat reduction in road fatalities as a key governance priority by undertaking swift administrative action, intensifying enforcement in accident-prone corridors and preparing district-specific intervention plans based on accident data and local risk assessment.

Observing that the National Highways (NH) account for the largest share of accidents in the state, the chief secretary directed the districts to analyse accident-prone NH stretches, identify black spots and strengthen enforcement, engineering correction and emergency response systems.

Strict penal action was directed against unauthorised roadside parking, illegal truck halting and encroachment along highways and major roads.

Emphasising effective implementation of the PM RAHAT initiative, in line with the directions of the chief minister, the districts were instructed to strengthen trauma care response, public awareness and coordination for accident victims, while expanding first responder training programmes across all districts to reinforce the “golden hour” response mechanism.

The state transport department apprised the meeting regarding three major initiatives – the “Zero Fatality District” initiative, the “Chota COP” road safety awareness programme and expansion of automated driving testing tracks for improving transparency in driving licence issuance.

The department was directed to expedite formulation of a comprehensive regulatory framework for e-rickshaw operations in Assam.

Districts were also instructed to verify whether toll plazas were complying with the mandatory emergency and ambulance movement provisions.

Special emphasis was also laid on monsoon preparedness, with Nagaon and Golaghat directed to maintain heightened vigilance during the rainy season, while border districts were instructed to strengthen precautionary and enforcement measures.