Parliamentarians reaffirm commitment to safer roads

The 9th edition of the JK Tyre-Constitution Club of India (CCI) Car Rally for Parliamentarians was flagged off on Sunday at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi.

The event, aimed at raising awareness about road safety, was inaugurated by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, the chief guest at the event.

Anshuman Singhania, managing director, JK Tyre and Industries, was the guest of honour at the event.

Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur were among those present at the event.

Since its inception in 2010, the rally has been a platform uniting policymakers, bureaucrats, journalists and armed forces personnel in a collective effort to advocate for responsible driving.

This year’s event witnessed the participation of over 50 parliamentarians reaffirming their commitment to safer roads while paying tributes to parliamentarians who have lost their lives in road accidents.

As part of the initiative, participants made a stop at a Traffic Park, where they revisited essential traffic rules and tested their knowledge of road safety signs.

Adding to the spectacle, a showcase of classic and vintage cars captivated attendees.

Rijiju emphasised the critical need for road safety awareness, stating, “Such rallies are essential for promoting safe driving habits, not just among parliamentarians but for the public at large.”

He said road accidents remained a major concern, affecting thousands of lives each year. Singhania echoed these sentiments, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to road safety.

“Road safety is not just about following rules — it is about saving lives. With India’s expanding road network, reinforcing responsible driving habits is more crucial than ever. At JK Tyre, we have been dedicated to this cause for over three decades through awareness campaigns and product innovations,” he said.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, secretary, Constitution Club of India, also addressed the gathering, noting that the government had undertaken multiple initiatives to improve automobile safety standards and road infrastructure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

He said major causes of road accidents included speeding, using mobile phones while driving, and not wearing seat belts and helmets.

The rally followed a planned route, covering several iconic landmarks in Delhi, with participants competing in the TSD (time, speed, distance) format.

The format prioritises precision over speed, encouraging disciplined driving while adhering to traffic regulations. Each team, consisting of a driver and a navigator, was required to follow designated speed limits and routes, with penalties imposed for deviations.

The rally concluded with a prize distribution ceremony at the Constitution Club of India, where winners were felicitated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Anshuman Singhania.