Samba, October 19: Deputy Commissioner Samba, Dr. Rupesh Kumar, today chaired a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to review the progress of ongoing construction works along the National Highway in the district and assess the status of road safety measures being implemented to ensure the smooth and safe movement of commuters.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner took a detailed review of the progress of various construction activities, the status of pending works and issues affecting their timely completion. He stressed the need for close coordination among the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure that all ongoing works are completed within the stipulated timelines without compromising on quality and safety standards.
Emphasising the importance of road safety, Dr. Rupesh Kumar directed the concerned officers to take all necessary measures to minimise the risk of road accidents and ensure the safety of commuters, pedestrians and other road users along the National Highway.
He instructed the concerned agencies to ensure proper installation and maintenance of road safety signage, warning boards, reflective markers, barricades and other essential safety arrangements, particularly at accident-prone locations, construction zones, diversions and vulnerable stretches of the highway. He further stressed the need for adequate lighting, wherever required, and proper traffic regulation at locations where construction activities are underway.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the executing agencies to ensure that construction material, machinery and debris do not obstruct the movement of traffic. He also emphasised the need to maintain safe passage for commuters through construction zones by providing clearly marked diversions, appropriate barricading and other necessary precautionary measures.
Reviewing traffic management arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner called for effective coordination between the Traffic Police, district administration, transport authorities and the concerned executing agencies to prevent traffic congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement, especially during peak hours. He stressed the importance of identifying black spots and accident-prone areas and taking prompt corrective measures to improve road safety.
Dr. Rupesh Kumar further directed the concerned officers to conduct regular inspections of the National Highway and ensure that deficiencies related to road conditions, signage, safety infrastructure and traffic management are addressed promptly. He called for strict adherence to prescribed safety norms and accountability on the part of all agencies responsible for the execution and maintenance of the works.
The Deputy Commissioner also emphasised the need for expeditious resolution of interdepartmental issues and directed the concerned officers to maintain close coordination and submit regular progress updates regarding construction activities and road safety interventions.
The meeting was attended by SSP Traffic Jammu, DySP Traffic Samba-Kathua, Additional Deputy Commissioner/ACR, Tehsildar Samba, ARTO Samba and other concerned officers.
The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned departments and executing agencies to accord priority to public safety, expedite pending construction works and ensure better traffic management along the National Highway in district Samba.
