Emphasis on road safety for upcoming festivals

Kathmandu, Sept 8: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has launched a major initiative aimed at minimizing road accidents during the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals.     

Considering the significant increase in passenger traffic leaving Kathmandu Valley during these periods, the Ministry has rolled out measures to enhance road safety.     

At a discussion held at the Ministry today with the stakeholder agencies, Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal instructed them to repair potholes and improve road safety before the festivals begin.     

Similarly, Minister Dahal directed the Nepal Police to be prepared for enforcement of traffic regulations, rescue of road accident victims and providing timely medical attention to such victims.     

Pledging to take initiatives for legal and policy arrangements for long term road safety management, the Minister announced to revitalize the Road Safety Council.     

He asserted that road safety could be achieved through a combination of well-maintained roads, vehicles in good condition, skilled drivers and aware passengers.     

Likewise, Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry, highlighted the importance of road safety in view of upcoming festivals.     

He stressed on adopting measures such as mandatorily having two drivers for vehicles on long route and compliance with the traffic rules among others for road safety.     

Road safety experts Dr Parthamani Parajuli, Saroj Kumar Pradhan among others called for making the Council more effective.     

Representatives from Nepal Police, Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Road, Road Board Nepal and Department of Road Management among others had shed lights on the plans and efforts to ensure road safety.(RSS)