Delhi's Safe School Initiative Returns to Najafgarh for Safer Student Commutes
New Delhi: The Delhi government's 'Safe School' initiative is set to make a comeback, with its latest implementation planned outside Govt Boys Senior Secondary School No 2 in Najafgarh. This renewed effort aims to bring a stronger focus on ensuring safer daily commutes for students navigating the city's bustling streets.
Addressing Risks in a Dense Education Hub
Situated within a densely packed education cluster, the Najafgarh campus is surrounded by numerous schools, creating a challenging environment for student mobility. Over 15,000 students traverse the same street network each day, leading to significant congestion and safety concerns.
During peak hours, the area experiences intense pedestrian movement, compounded by vehicles parked haphazardly. Children often spill onto carriageways amid a mix of buses, cars, and two-wheelers, making routine journeys to and from school particularly risky.
PWD's Comprehensive Safety Zone Design
The Public Works Department (PWD) has begun designing a dedicated safety zone around the school and has invited agencies to submit formal drawings for a comprehensive street redesign. Officials have highlighted that this project will mark only the second on-ground implementation of the 'Safe School' programme across the entire city.
Once the tendering process is completed, construction is expected to take approximately one year. The intervention will span a significant 1.2-kilometer stretch, covering multiple critical areas to enhance safety comprehensively.
Scope and Coverage of the Safety Project
The redesigned zone will include roads from the T-point of Shivaji Marg on Najafgarh Road to Jyoti Memorial Hospital on both sides. Additionally, it will cover the section from RHTC Hospital to the government veterinary hospital, as well as the internal road leading directly to the school gate.
This strategic approach aims to create a safer corridor for students, reducing risks associated with heavy traffic and pedestrian congestion. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving urban infrastructure for educational institutions in Delhi.
