School buses violating safety norms should be taken off road: Kaithal DC to officials

Kaithal Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti directed District Education Officer (DEO) and the secretary, Regional Transport Authority (RTA), to ensure that school buses operating in violation of safety norms were not allowed on the roads. She directed school managements to utilise the winter vacation period to address shortcomings in the operation of heir buses to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

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“Ensuring public safety is a priority for the district administration. To reduce road accidents and facilitate safe transportation, it is essential for all departments and officials concerned to work in coordination. Responsibilities must be fulfilled in a time-bound manner and corresponding action-taken reports (ATR) must be submitted promptly,” said Preeti while chairing a monthly road safety committee meeting at the Mini-Secretariat on Monday.

She also urged the public to strictly adhere to road safety rules during the foggy winter months.

The DC also directed the police to identify and close all illegal road entry and exit points and address black spots. A committee under the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) has been formed, comprising officials from the  RTA, B&R, and NHAI, to evaluate the need for legal cuts and recommend action against unauthorised ones.

She also directed the installation of boards displaying helpline numbers 112 and 1033 on all national and state highways.

Meanwhile, the secretary RTA reported that by November this year, 284 accidents took place, resulting in 147 fatalities. In November alone, 29 accidents led to 15 deaths. The Police Department issued 3,077 challans in October, collecting fines worth Rs 28.09 lakh. The RTA Department issued 198 vehicle challans, imposing fines of Rs 40.60 lakh. Under the Safe Vehicle Policy, 662 buses were inspected and violations were found in 190 vehicles, prompting necessary action.

The Forest Department was instructed to remove trees obstructing roads in Sector 18, while the NHAI was directed to install lights on the Titaram Mor bridge. A committee under the ADC was tasked with addressing the demand for creating a black spot at Chandana T-point on the national highway. Municipal Council officials were directed to expedite the relocation of stray cattle to shelters. The Civil Surgeon was instructed to conduct eye check-ups for drivers of private and school buses.