Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that road safety must become a top governance priority, calling for strict enforcement and the utilisation of modern technology to prevent accidents.
Speaking at the Arrive Alive road safety awareness programme organised by the Telangana Police at the Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda, the Chief Minister said traffic control had emerged as the state’s biggest challenge.
Accordingly, he urged officials to take firm action against violations and strengthen their monitoring systems to reduce road fatalities.
Road safety must become a core governance priority
Revanth Reddy said authorities must begin road safety awareness at the student level to create lasting behavioural change. At the same time, he stressed the need to strengthen traffic signal systems and reform the transport framework.
He noted that while law and order once dominated governance concerns, traffic management now posed the greatest challenge. Therefore, he called for a clear legal framework and new policies focused on accident prevention.
Highlighting technology’s role, the Chief Minister said the government had signed an agreement with Google to improve traffic management. In addition, he directed officials to link CCTV cameras with command control centres and expand the use of advanced systems.
Referring to accident data, he said the country records one road accident every minute and loses one life every three minutes. Moreover, he pointed out that many victims die despite following traffic rules due to others’ negligence.
Revanth Reddy said authorities must treat traffic violations as life-threatening offences. Hence, he called for strict action against drunken driving and minors operating vehicles.
He also proposed linking traffic challans to bank accounts so fines get deducted automatically. Further, he said, police should book parents who allow minors to drive.
Drawing parallels with special forces created to curb terrorism, cybercrime, drugs, and encroachments, the Chief Minister said the state must now establish a dedicated system for traffic control and road safety.
Finally, he praised the police department for launching the awareness programme and preparing structured plans to prevent accidents.
The event was attended by Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Home Secretary C.V. Anand, DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy, Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar, and other senior officials.