Imphal, Jan 10 (UNI): Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Anurag Bajpai, on Saturday said National Road Safety Month observance should go beyond a formal event and become a sustained effort to inculcate road safety habits, especially among children. He stressed that most road accidents are preventable and every life lost is a tragedy for the family, society and the state.
He was speaking during a media sensitisation programme in connection with the National Road Safety Month 2026 held today at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. He called for stronger media partnership to promote road safety and responsible public behaviour.
The programme, themed ‘Strengthening Media Partnership for Safer Roads’, was organised by the Transport Department, Government of Manipur.
“Road safety must be a top priority across the state. Media plays a vital role in shaping public behaviour and social attitudes towards traffic discipline,” Bajpai said, urging journalists to highlight shortcomings such as the absence of caution markings near schools and other safety gaps in infrastructure.
He said the government is intensifying efforts under the three pillars of Engineering, Enforcement and Education during the Road Safety Month. These include improving road designs, signage, fixing accident-prone black spots, enhancing pedestrian safety and conducting awareness programmes in schools. District Collectors have also been instructed to organise activities in their respective districts, he added.
Bajpai appealed to the media to provide extensive coverage of the campaign and actively participate in promoting a culture of safe driving. “Media is not just a messenger but a powerful partner in shaping behaviour. Responsible reporting can counter misinformation and help save lives,” he said.
He further informed that the government is considering instituting an award for exclusive reporting on road safety and appealed to citizens to follow traffic rules by wearing helmets and seat belts, avoiding speeding and drunk driving, and respecting pedestrians. “Road safety is not about fines alone; it is about saving lives,” he said.
Bajpai elaborated on measures such as reviving the public transport system and constructing multi-level parking facilities. He urged the media to also highlight positive examples of public compliance with traffic rules.
Director, Information and Public Relations, Ng. Uttam, in his address highlighted the alarming state of road safety in India and said a road accident death is a loss not only for the family but for the whole society. He emphasised the role of media in bringing behavioural change and appealed to journalists to promote road safety advocacy in accident reporting.
He also pointed out that many people hesitate to help accident victims due to fear of legal inconvenience and said reforms are needed to remove such barriers. Revival of public transport, he said, is essential to reduce road congestion and accidents, and inter-departmental cooperation must consider the realities faced by the general public.
Director (Transport) Kh. Diana Devi said the department would take possible steps to address traffic inconveniences and related issues.
The programme was attended by Tayenjam Bishwajit, Additional SP, Traffic Control Police Wing; Khogendra Khomdram, President, EGM; Asem Bhakta Singh, President, AMWJU; officials of the Traffic Control Police Wing, staff of the Transport Department and representatives from print and electronic media organisations.
It may be noted that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways observes National Road Safety Month every January across India to promote awareness and reduce accidents. The theme for 2026 is “Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha.”
