Minister Ponnam holds review with transport officials over rising road accidents

LatestPoliticsTelangana
By HNH Web Desk
Minister Ponnam transport meeting

Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar held a key Zoom meeting with senior transport officials to tackle the surge in road accidents across Telangana. The session included Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj, Transport Commissioner Ilambarthi, JTCs, DTCs, and other senior officials.

Expressing concern over frequent mishaps, the minister cited a recent incident where both vehicles had valid fitness certificates but still collided due to a narrow road and lack of a divider. He urged officials to take immediate steps to prevent such avoidable accidents.

To improve enforcement, Minister Ponnam directed strict monitoring of speed lock systems in vehicles. He also ordered triple penalties for any attempts to bypass these limits. Rather than reactive inspections after accidents, he stressed the need for constant vigilance.

“Transport staff must operate with seriousness and consistency. Negligence will attract strict disciplinary action,” he said. He added that regaining public trust depends on visible, effective performance by the department.

As part of broader enforcement, the minister asked each district to form three surveillance teams. These teams must ensure commercial and passenger vehicles follow all transport norms. He warned of tough penalties for sleeper buses illegally transporting cargo.

Additionally, he instructed tipper lorries carrying sand or dust to use tarpaulin covers. He also emphasized that school buses, hired buses, trucks, and tippers must comply with all fitness and permit requirements. Senior officers must coordinate with newly inducted staff and ensure farmers in rural areas do not face harassment while transporting produce.

Looking ahead to Road Safety Month, the minister called for a robust public awareness campaign. However, he insisted that a concrete action plan must be executed before the campaign begins.

 

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