Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone for various projects of the Transport Department at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. He emphasized that medical and physical fitness tests of bus drivers, particularly eye checkups, must be made mandatory every three months to minimize accidents caused by vision defects.
Strict Instructions for Administrative Reforms
Mr. Adityanath directed officials to end the culture of pending files and accelerate public hearings for timely results. He underlined that teamwork within the department will lead to visible outcomes quickly. Highlighting the significance of safe driving, he said reckless driving cannot be tolerated in a state where Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation manages the largest fleet in the country.
He also appreciated the department’s recent initiative of providing free bus travel for women during Raksha Bandhan and urged officials to promote such schemes more effectively.
Transport Department’s Role in Times of Crisis
The Chief Minister recalled the critical services of the department during the Prayagraj Kumbh of 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Transport Department played a key role in transporting crores of migrants safely across states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand. During the recent Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the department efficiently managed crowd movement at railway stations and other transit points, ensuring safe travel for millions of devotees.
Road Safety as a Major State Challenge
Calling road safety a serious concern, Mr. Adityanath noted that annual road accident deaths exceed fatalities recorded during three years of the pandemic. Most victims are youth, causing devastating losses for families. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of every traveler is the responsibility of the Transport Department, adding that negligence not only tarnishes the department’s image but also results in financial losses.
To address this, he stressed the need for large-scale awareness campaigns, technical partnerships with IIT Kharagpur, inter-departmental coordination, and inclusion of traffic rule education in schools.
Emphasis on Strict Enforcement and Public Awareness
Mr. Adityanath reiterated the need for strict enforcement against overspeeding, drunk driving, non-use of helmets and seat belts. He called for intensive use of print, digital, social, and visual media to spread road safety awareness. “The law may appear harsh at times, but it is ultimately the guarantee of your safety and life,” he remarked.
Promoting Sustainable and Modern Transport
The Chief Minister said road safety is a shared responsibility of all sections of society. He pointed to the success of the Uttar Pradesh Police app that identified accident-prone zones and reduced accident numbers significantly. Stressing sustainable development, he underlined the role of electric vehicles in meeting the Prime Minister’s net zero emission target.
Mr. Adityanath directed that bus stations should be upgraded with world-class facilities, buses should not be parked carelessly, and passengers should be provided with safe and clean surroundings. He encouraged the adoption of electric buses, private sector engagement in charging stations, and scrapping of old vehicles to reduce pollution and accidents. Strengthening driving training institutes and ensuring accountability were also marked as priorities for the Transport Department.
