Adopt Gujarat model for road safety: Tripura CM to officials

Agartala: Tripura CM Manik Saha instructed the state administration to adopt the Gujarat model of road safety to build a safer road network across Tripura.At a road safety review meeting, Saha said the Gujarat model rests on three pillars — advanced technology, strict law enforcement and swift post-accident rescue with medical support. He asked officials to incorporate these elements into Tripura’s road safety strategy.Saha said Tripura’s accident rate is below the national average but called for a target of zero fatalities and warned against complacency. He directed that footpaths be built quickly along major roads in Agartala to strengthen pedestrian safety.The state plans to expand surveillance with more CCTV cameras and GPS-based vehicle tracking systems to monitor traffic and curb violations, along with deploying speed guns in accident-prone areas.Highlighting the importance of the “golden hour,” Saha announced plans to set up additional trauma care centres across Tripura for immediate treatment of accident victims. He also instructed that police and fire service personnel be given specialised first-aid training to improve first response during road accidents.Transport minister Sushanta Chowdhury said 16 advanced ambulances are available round the clock for rapid emergency response. He flagged risks posed by untrained drivers and directed the transport department to enforce a strict policy to ensure driving licences are issued only after rigorous testing.