Himachal Transport Minister GS Bali has stressed on formulating an effective policy by the Government of India in coordination with the State Governments for road transport system so as to mete out the requirements of rising concerns of the transport sector
besides minimising risks of road accidents.
In his address during the meetings of National Road Safety Council and Transport Development Council organized on Monday in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Bali thanked the Union Transport Minister for approving a highway project for the State on NH-22 amounting to Rs. 887 crore. He said the national highways were the base of economic growth of the country and urged that the hilly and backward states should be given added priority in infrastructural development. .
The meeting was attended by the Transport Ministers, Transport Secretaries, Transport Commissioners and senior police officers of all the states.
Bali requested the Union Minister to consider the tough topography and weather conditions of the hilly states like Himachal Pradesh while finalizing and approving the road projects as due to adverse conditions the cost of construction, maintenance and expansion of the roads was much higher in such states as compared to other areas.
He appreciated the efforts of the Union Government for giving special emphasis on road safety in the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill adding that the provisions in the Bill would go a long way in saving valuable human lives. He also suggested for launching special awareness campaign regarding the road safety rules throughout the country.