Assam Transport Department Enhances Road Safety Measures Ahead of New Year
Strengthening Road Safety in Guwahati
Guwahati, Dec 17: As the New Year approaches, the Assam Transport Department is intensifying its efforts to reduce road accidents linked to drunk driving and speeding, especially in urban areas.
In Guwahati, the Kamrup District Transport Department has deployed advanced road safety equipment along GS Road.
On Tuesday, Transport Minister Charan Boro distributed road safety kits to enforcement inspectors, which included a body camera, speed gun, and dash camera.
“These three devices - a body camera for recording, a speed gun for measuring vehicle speed, and a dash camera - are now being provided to our inspectors. Such technology was previously unavailable in the state,” Boro stated, emphasizing that these tools will aid in accurately identifying traffic violations and enforcing penalties.
In a demonstration of the government's commitment to stricter enforcement, the Minister participated in checking operations on the evening of December 16 at ABC Point in Guwahati, working alongside enforcement officials to combat drunk driving.
Breath analyzers were utilized during this operation to identify intoxicated drivers.
“The number of accidents in Assam has decreased compared to previous years, largely due to public cooperation. The transport department is fully prepared for the New Year, and we will implement strict measures against drunk driving and speeding. Special initiatives are in place to prevent accidents caused by alcohol and excessive speed,” Minister Boro remarked.
The increased enforcement comes in response to concerning accident statistics in the state. From December 24, 2024, to January 15, 2025, Assam recorded 163 fatalities due to road accidents, which is a reduction of 32 compared to the previous year.
Currently, Assam ranks second among northeastern states in terms of road traffic fatality rates per lakh population, following Arunachal Pradesh, according to official data.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously highlighted the alarming increase in road accidents and fatalities throughout Assam.
During a press conference in Dibrugarh on December 24, Sarma attributed the rise to several factors, including a surge in drunk driving incidents, ongoing national highway construction, and poor road conditions in certain regions.
He noted significant variations at the district level, with Kamrup (Metro) experiencing a 31.82% increase in road fatalities, while Nagaon district saw a notable 73% decrease.
In Guwahati, the situation is particularly dire along the busy Jalukbari–Khanapara route, which has seen a 21% increase in fatalities, as reported by the Chief Minister.
Additionally, he pointed out a concerning trend in rural areas, where improved road conditions have led to higher vehicle speeds and an increase in self-inflicted accidents.
With the festive season anticipated to bring increased traffic, authorities have stated that enforcement operations will persist across the state to curb violations and prevent unnecessary loss of life.