State to set up independent body to curb road accidents

Panaji: The state cabinet on Friday approved the creation of an independent lead agency for road safety. The agency will set annual targets to reduce road accidents and fatalities, prepare a yearly action plan to achieve these targets, and monitor its implementation. It will also regularly collect and analyse accident data to identify high-risk locations and vulnerable groups, and guide road safety interventions.

The transport department was directed by the Supreme Court committee on road safety (SCoRS) to constitute a lead agency/road safety council and a road safety fund. The committee required the state to establish a lead agency headed by a senior officer, supported by adequate and competent staff, to exclusively address road safety matters. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the existing state road safety council chaired by the transport minister, and stressed the need for an independent body led by a full-time head.

It was suggested that the chairman of the agency be a retired officer of the rank of secretary or higher, with knowledge of road safety. The role of the lead agency is to coordinate with state govt to implement directions issued by SCoRS and submit compliance reports within stipulated timelines.

The lead agency will manage the road safety fund and ensure its effective utilisation. The current structure of the lead agency, under the leadership of a deputy director of transport (South), has several limitations. An officer at the deputy director rank is considered too junior to lead a high-level entity like the lead agency.

The cabinet said the role requires coordination with and issuing directions or advisories to multiple departments such as police, public works department, health, education and transport. The administrative capacity and authority required for these responsibilities exceed the mandate of a deputy director, leading to administrative challenges.

Additionally, SCoRS has repeatedly advised the establishment of an independent lead agency. However, the current setup does not ensure independence, as the deputy director functions under the administrative control of the director of transport.

“The lack of autonomy undermines the ability of the lead agency to function effectively and make impartial decisions in the interest of road safety. Addressing these administrative issues is crucial to aligning the lead agency's framework with SCoRS guidelines and ensuring effective road safety management in the state,” the cabinet said.