Concerns Rise Over Road Safety in Assam Amid Festive Accidents
Increasing Road Accidents in Assam
File image of an accident in Assam. (Picture used for representational purpose only).
Guwahati, Oct 21: Following a series of deadly road incidents during and after Durga Puja, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced his alarm regarding the increasing frequency of accidents. He highlighted the hazardous road segments, ongoing construction projects, and unsafe driving behaviors as contributing factors.
“The rise in accidents is alarming, and we are taking it seriously. While some areas have seen improvements, others remain problematic, particularly where road renovations are taking place. We are also addressing critical points that require attention,” Sarma stated during the Mata Pujan 5128 event at the Assam Engineering Institute playground in Chandmari.
The Chief Minister pointed out that measures are being implemented to tackle accident-prone areas, especially those undergoing road upgrades.
Sarma emphasized the importance of enhancing road safety awareness, citing driving under the influence and the lack of helmet use as significant contributors to accidents. “Accidents occur for various reasons, including intoxicated driving and not wearing helmets. We need to raise awareness,” he remarked.
His comments come in light of several fatal incidents reported throughout the state during the festive season.
In a recent incident, three individuals, including two young sisters, lost their lives when a truck collided with their motorcycle on National Highway 15 near the Purupbari weekly market gate in Gohpur, according to police reports on Tuesday.
This tragedy followed another collision in Darrang district on Sunday night, where three young men returning from Durga Puja celebrations in Mangaldai died after their vehicle crashed into a goods truck at Sarkar Chariali under Dhula Police Station.
Three additional passengers sustained injuries and were transported to a medical facility, as per police statements.
Another motorcycle accident during the festive period resulted in the deaths of two young men and left another injured in Tinsukia district, as reported on October 19.
While official statistics on the total number of fatalities were not available at the time of this report, the recent surge in accidents has intensified scrutiny on hazardous road sections and reckless driving practices.