Chandigarh: Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Tuesday emphasised that building safe road infrastructure must go hand in hand with public awareness and strict adherence to traffic rules. He noted that road safety is a shared responsibility involving the government, enforcement agencies, and citizens alike.
The Harbhajan Singh ETO made these remarks during the inaugural address at a workshop jointly organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (GoI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Punjab State Road Safety Council at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration.
Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted that while improved road connectivity has reduced travel times across Punjab, higher speeds and increased traffic volumes have raised the risk of accidents. He stressed that compliance with safety norms is essential for every road user.
Referring to common violations, the Minister pointed out that many two-wheeler riders carry helmets instead of wearing them, and driving under the influence of alcohol endangers not only drivers but also pedestrians and other commuters. He urged NHAI and the lead agency to accelerate the elimination of accident-prone black spots.
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The Harbhajan Singh ETO also mentioned the Sadak Surkhya Force, launched by the Punjab Government to reduce road fatalities. He called on citizens to assist accident victims immediately, noting that swift medical response and prompt hospitalisation greatly improve survival chances.
Harbhajan Singh ETO and Senior Officers Promote Safe System Approach Across Punjab Roads
Harbhajan Singh ETO said the Public Works Department (B&R) would coordinate with all relevant departments to implement modern road safety practices, including careful road design, regular maintenance, and safer engineering standards to reduce accidents. Senior officials at the workshop underlined the Safe System Approach, focusing on safer road design, effective enforcement, and continuous public outreach.
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਫ਼ਰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਉਪਰਾਲਾ ਸੜਕ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਫੋਰਸ ਦੋ ਸਾਲਾਂ ‘ਚ ਸੜਕ ਹਾਦਸਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਪੀੜਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਮੁੱਢਲੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਹਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਜਾਨਾਂ ਬਚਾ ਚੁੱਕੀ ਹੈ। SSF ਦੀ ਬਿਹਤਰੀਨ ਕਾਰਗੁਜ਼ਾਰੀ ਨਾਲ਼ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੜਕ ਹਾਦਸਿਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਜਾਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਦਰ 50% ਫ਼ੀਸਦੀ ਤੱਕ ਘਟ ਗਈ ਹੈ। pic.twitter.com/uTRna8No2v
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 3, 2026
Rakesh Kumar, Regional Officer, NHAI, highlighted that road safety outcomes require a combination of safer engineering, regulated speeds, safe vehicles, and efficient post-crash response. He detailed NHAI’s initiatives, including road safety audits, rectification of black spots, improved road geometry, crash barriers, clear signage, road markings, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Parneet Shergill, State Transport Commissioner and Director General of the Lead Agency on Road Safety, briefed participants on activities conducted during National Road Safety Month 2026, including awareness campaigns, enforcement drives, promotion of helmet and seat-belt use, and driver sensitisation. She emphasised the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination to achieve long-term reductions in accidents.
AS Rai, Special DGP (Traffic), Punjab, spoke on enforcement actions against traffic violations and large-scale awareness programmes, stressing that enforcement and public education must work together to create lasting behavioural change.
Paramjeet Singh, Joint Director (Admn), Lead Agency on Road Safety, proposed the vote of thanks, appreciating NHAI’s proactive role and expressing hope for continued collaboration to strengthen road safety initiatives in Punjab.