PWD minister calls for fast-track removal of black spots at raad safety workshop
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Tuesday said that the creation of safe road infrastructure must go parallel with sustained public awareness on strict compliance with traffic rules. He said road safety concerns every stakeholder including the government, enforcement agencies and citizens.
The Cabinet Minister made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at a workshop jointly organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, GoI, the National Highways Authority of India and the Punjab State Road Safety Council at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration here.
He said continuous efforts by the Punjab Government and the union Government to strengthen road connectivity have resulted in reduced travel time across Punjab. At the same time, higher speeds and increased traffic volume have raised the risk of road accidents. He said adherence to safety norms is essential for every road user.
Referring to frequent violations, the Cabinet Minister said many two-wheeler riders carry helmets instead of wearing them which leads to grave outcomes during mishaps. He said driving under the influence of alcohol poses danger not only to drivers but also to pedestrians and other commuters. He asked NHAI and the lead agency to accelerate the process of eliminating accident-prone black spots.
ETO said the Punjab Govt has operationalised the Sadak Surkhya Force as a focused step to save lives. He said the initiative has contributed to a decline in fatalities caused by road accidents in the State. The Minister urged the public to assist accident victims, adding that swift medical response and immediate hospitalisation significantly improve survival chances.
The Cabinet Minister said the Public Works Department (B&R) will work in close coordination with all concerned departments to adopt modern road safety practices. He said planned design, regular maintenance and safer engineering standards are critical to reducing accidents and ensuring safer mobility. Senior officers during the workshop underlined the need for a Safe System Approach, focusing on safer road design, effective enforcement and continuous public outreach.
Rakesh Kumar, Regional Officer, NHAI, said road safety outcomes depend on a combination of safer engineering, regulated speeds, safer vehicles and efficient post-crash response. He shared details of NHAI initiatives including road safety audits, rectification of black spots, improved road geometry, crash barriers, clear signage, road markings and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Parneet Shergill, State Transport Commissioner, Punjab and Director General, Lead Agency on Road Safety, briefed participants on activities conducted across Punjab during National Road Safety Month 2026. She spoke about awareness campaigns, enforcement drives, promotion of helmet and seat-belt use and driver sensitisation, while stressing the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination to achieve long-term reduction in accidents.
AS Rai, Special DGP, Traffic, Punjab, spoke on enforcement action against traffic violations and large-scale awareness programmes across the State, stating that enforcement and public awareness must move together to bring lasting behavioural change.
Paramjeet Singh, Joint Director (Admn), Lead Agency on Road Safety, who proposed the vote of thanks and appreciated the proactive role of NHAI while expressing hope for continued cooperation to strengthen road safety initiatives in Punjab.