Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed all relevant departments to adopt the ‘Gujarat Model of road safety’ in a bid to achieve zero road fatalities and establish an accident-free road network throughout the state. In a recent high-level review meeting, he noted that while Tripura’s road accident figures are currently better than the national average, there should be no complacency, and zero fatalities must remain the ultimate goal.The Gujarat model emphasizes the integration of advanced technology, rigorous enforcement of traffic laws, and prompt post-accident responses, including immediate medical support. CM Saha instructed officials to incorporate these principles into the state’s road safety framework. To improve pedestrian safety in Agartala, he urged the expeditious construction of footpaths along major roads and called for the deployment of additional CCTV cameras, GPS vehicle tracking systems, and speed guns in high-risk areas to enhance traffic monitoring and reduce violations.
Recognizing the critical nature of the ‘golden hour’ post-accident, he announced the establishment of more trauma care centers across the state for timely medical intervention and mandated specialized first aid training for police and fire service personnel to boost emergency response capabilities. Notably, the Chief Minister highlighted the increase in road accidents during nighttime and early morning, especially in winter due to dense fog, and stressed the importance of public awareness and adherence to road safety norms. Furthermore, he revealed ongoing preventive measures in Agartala, such as constructing footpaths along major routes and adopting a stricter approach to issuing driving licenses, as untrained drivers pose significant safety risks. The state is observing ‘National Road Safety Month’ and ‘Zero Fatality Month’ from January 1 to January 31, focusing on the theme ‘Road Safety, Save Lives,’ underscoring the need for collective efforts from all sectors to achieve campaign success.
In a firm stance on licensing, CM Saha instructed the Transport Department to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding driving licenses, ensuring strict compliance with testing and verification protocols. State Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury reported that 16 advanced ambulances are actively operational across Tripura to ensure rapid response to road accidents. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and Director General of Police Anurag, where presentations were made on the existing measures to curb road accidents in Tripura.
