UPSRTC Bus Accidents Show Remarkable Decline in Lucknow, Safety Protocols Strengthened
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has reported a significant reduction in road accidents involving its buses in Lucknow for the month of January this year. According to recent data, fatalities dropped sharply to eight, compared to 23 recorded in the same month last year. This represents a decrease of over 65% in fatal incidents, marking a positive trend in road safety efforts.
Injury Numbers Also See Substantial Decrease
Similarly, the number of individuals sustaining injuries in these accidents also declined notably. In January this year, 27 people were injured, down from 55 in January of the previous year. This reduction of approximately 51% highlights the effectiveness of ongoing safety initiatives and stricter enforcement measures implemented by the transport corporation.
Review Meeting Highlights Safety Directives and Infrastructure Progress
These encouraging figures were discussed during a comprehensive review meeting chaired by UPSRTC Managing Director Prabhu N Singh. The meeting, held on Wednesday, was attended by regional managers and assistant regional managers from all 20 regions of the corporation. During the session, Singh emphasized the critical importance of adhering to road safety standards to further reduce accident rates.
Key directives issued by the managing director include:
- Drivers must not be deployed on roads without undergoing proper training programs.
- Regular awareness sessions on traffic rules and road safety protocols should be conducted for all drivers.
- Continuous counseling and monitoring of drivers to ensure compliance with safety norms.
- Mandatory breathalyser tests for drivers to prevent incidents related to alcohol consumption.
Singh stated, "Clear instructions have been issued from headquarters that drivers should not be sent on the road without training. They should be made aware of traffic and road safety rules and counselled regularly. Additionally, breathalyser tests should be conducted on drivers."
Infrastructure Development and Financial Allocations Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed the progress of bus station construction projects across various districts. Significant financial allocations were discussed to support these infrastructure developments:
- For the allotment of land for a depot workshop in Hamirpur district, approximately Rs 3.45 crore was released as the first installment against a total estimated cost of about Rs 6.9 lakh.
- Approximately Rs 1.52 crore was allocated as the first installment for the reconstruction of a bus station in Siddharthnagar district.
- About Rs 1.5 crore was sanctioned for the reconstruction of the bus station in Chandausi.
- Another Rs 1.5 crore was released for the reconstruction of the Salon bus station in Rae Bareli district.
These investments underscore UPSRTC's commitment to enhancing passenger safety and improving public transport infrastructure. The combined focus on driver training, strict safety protocols, and modernized facilities aims to create a safer and more reliable transportation network for the residents of Uttar Pradesh.
