Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Transport Department to assess the measures being taken for effective traffic management, reduction of road accidents and strengthening of road safety mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting besides ACS Finance; ACS, PWD; Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, GAD; and Secretary, Transport was attended by IGP, Traffic; Transport Commissioner; Director, Motor Garages and other concerned officers. Deputy Commissioners and representatives from NHAI, BRO, SAMPARK and NHIDCL attended the meeting through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of implementing key road safety initiatives, including enforcement actions by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and Traffic Police, the operation of the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) portal, and the PM Rahat Scheme, which provides immediate assistance to road accident victims. He directed relevant departments to ensure timely data entry and verification on the iRAD portal to facilitate accurate analysis and prompt corrective actions, particularly at identified accident hotspots. The Chief Secretary called for strict adherence to Supreme Court directives regarding road safety and mandated the submission of reports for major road incidents. He highlighted the necessity for robust coordination among various departments, including Transport, Traffic Police, Health, and Public Works, to enhance the effectiveness of road safety measures. Additionally, he urged the utilization of the road safety fund to support accident victims and the effective implementation of the PM Rahat scheme. Regular meetings of District Road Safety Committees were mandated to develop district-level action plans aimed at reducing accidents and improving traffic management. The Chief Secretary also instructed road construction agencies to conduct regular safety audits and rectify hazardous locations to minimize accident risks. The Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa, reported that the Transport Department is analyzing road accidents through the iRAD portal, which aids in identifying accident hotspots and supports data-driven interventions. She noted that the iRAD system digitally records accident data, facilitating scientific investigations and corrective measures to reduce accidents. Training programs are being conducted to improve the quality and timeliness of accident reporting, and efforts are underway to integrate electronic Detailed Accident Reports (eDAR) with judicial systems. The meeting reviewed the PM Rahat Scheme, which provides cashless treatment to accident victims during the critical “golden hour,” with a coverage of up to Rs 1.5 lakhs per case. It was revealed that the analysis through the iRAD portal identified 16 major accident hotspots in Jammu and Kashmir, with over 3,800 accidents reported in Jammu and around 1,500 in Srinagar since June 2022, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. The enforcement measures by the Traffic Police and MVD were also highlighted, with strict actions taken against traffic violators under the Motor Vehicles Act. The IGP Traffic reported the seizure of nearly 16,000 vehicles in 2025 and the deployment of modern traffic management equipment to enhance enforcement capabilities. Furthermore, 16 Highway Patrol Vehicles and 19 Interceptor Vehicles have been deployed for improved monitoring on highways. The Transport Commissioner, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, provided updates on the PM Rahat Scheme, confirming that all districts are onboarded and that necessary financial and digital infrastructure has been established. He also mentioned the Road Accident Victim Fund (RAVF), which has received ₹1226.10 lakh, with a significant portion already allocated for accident-related interventions. In conclusion, the Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to road safety, advocating for greater use of technology, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to significantly reduce road accidents across Jammu and Kashmir.
