COUNCIL DECIDES TO RELEASE FUNDS OF 66 LAKHS FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF 5 TRAUMA CARE CENTERS, DECISION TAKEN TO PROVIDE 415 SMART PHONE POLICE UNITS FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE E-DAR PROJECT. 35 ALS AMBULANCES TO BE FUNDED WITH RS. 14 CRORE UNTIL MARCH 31, 2026
Face2News/Chandigarh
The 16th meeting of the Punjab State Road Safety Council was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. During the meeting, the council decided to release funds of 66 lakh rupees for the modernization of 5 trauma care centers. The council also decided to allocate 415 Smart Phone units to the Police Department for the effective implementation of the E-DAR project. Additionally, the council approved a fund of 14 crore rupees for 35 ALS ambulances, which will be disbursed until March 31, 2026.
The meeting, which took place at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh, also discussed in detail the E-DAR project, rectification of black spots, and other related issues. The meeting also included discussions on awards for Good Samaritans under Punjab and Government of India schemes, benefits for individuals affected by hit-and-run incidents, free medical treatment for road accident victims, and the “Frishte Scheme.”
Furthermore, the meeting directed the purchase of electronic equipment, interceptors, recovery vans, and alco-meters to be expedited in order to improve enforcement operations.
Additionally, the council decided to release 66 lakh rupees for the modernization of 5 trauma care centers and to provide funds for 35 ALS ambulances worth 14 crore rupees until March 31, 2026.
To prevent serious accidents during the fog season, the council also decided that road-owning agencies must complete work on white lanes, reflective tapes, and road marking lights within a week. If required, the related Deputy Commissioners will release up to one lakh rupees from the existing Road Safety Fund.
The meeting also decided that during the fog season, if an accident occurs due to lack of lights or other safety measures, the Chief Engineer of the concerned road will be held personally responsible.
The council further decided that to better implement the Hit and Run scheme, orientation/training programs will be conducted in the main district headquarters over the next two months, so that affected individuals can benefit from the scheme.
In preparation for the National Road Safety Month 2026, the council directed departments such as Traffic Police, Transport, Health, and various NGOs to ramp up efforts. These programs will take place throughout the month of January.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Varun Roopam, IAS, Administrative Secretary of Transport, Mr. R. Venkataratnam, IAS (Retd.), Director General Lead Agency on Road Safety, Punjab, Mr. A.S. Rai, Special DG Traffic, Mrs. Praneet Shergill, IAS, State Transport Commissioner, Punjab, Joint Secretaries of Road Safety, Chief Engineer of Local Government, NH, Health Department, Education Department, and representatives from the Public Works Department.