UPCM Yogi Adityanath Directs Officials To Build Hospitals Along Expressways To Ensure Early Treatment Of Accident Victims: Mind Boggling Over 24,000 People Lost Their Lives In 2024
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to take comprehensive and effective measures to reduce the alarming number of road accidents in the state.
Chairing a meeting of the State Road Safety Council on Sunday, which was attended by ministers, senior bureaucrats, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, police commissioners, and superintendents of police, the chief minister emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue. He instructed officials to ensure better coordination between multiple departments to curb road accidents and fatalities across the state.
Proposal for Hospitals Along Expressways
One of the key directives issued by the chief minister was the establishment of hospitals on both sides of all expressways, similar to the way food plazas are positioned. The idea behind this move is to provide immediate medical attention to accident victims, thereby increasing their chances of survival and reducing fatalities.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of setting up trauma centres, ensuring the availability of ambulances, and deploying trained medical personnel at divisional headquarters hospitals. By strengthening emergency response infrastructure, the state government aims to improve post-accident medical care, which is critical in saving lives.
Concerning Road Accident Statistics
According to an official statement issued after the meeting, Uttar Pradesh recorded 46,052 road accidents in 2024, which resulted in 34,600 injuries and over 24,000 deaths. Expressing grave concern over these figures, Adityanath described the statistics as “extremely tragic.”
He pointed out that a significant percentage of these accidents occurred in specific regions, with the highest number of fatalities reported from 20 districts, including Hardoi, Mathura, Agra, Lucknow, and Kanpur. These districts alone accounted for 42 percent of the total road deaths in the state.
Identification and Rectification of Accident-Prone Areas
To mitigate the problem, the chief minister directed officials to identify accident-prone areas, commonly known as “black spots,” across the state’s extensive road network. He instructed that necessary corrective measures, such as road repairs, better signage, and improved lighting, be implemented to make these areas safer for commuters.
Strict Enforcement of Traffic Rules
Recognising that reckless driving habits significantly contribute to road accidents, Adityanath ordered stringent enforcement of traffic rules. He called for tough action against over-speeding, drunk driving, driving on the wrong side, jumping red lights, and using mobile phones while driving. Such violations are known to be leading causes of fatal accidents, and stricter monitoring and penalties can serve as a deterrent.
In addition to individual offenses, the chief minister also instructed officials to clamp down on unauthorized vehicles, overloaded trucks, and illegal bus operators, all of which pose significant risks to road safety.
Additional Safety Measures
Further directives included shutting down liquor shops located along highways, as these outlets often contribute to instances of drunk driving. Additionally, oversized advertisement hoardings that obstruct visibility and distract drivers should be resized or removed altogether.
Adityanath also highlighted the need for increased vigilance on expressways and highways. He ordered the deployment of more cranes, patrolling vehicles, and ambulances to ensure a swift response to accidents and breakdowns. Additionally, he mandated the installation of CCTV cameras on all 93 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) roads in Uttar Pradesh. At present, only four of these highways are equipped with such surveillance systems.
Road Safety Awareness in Educational Institutions
In an effort to promote a culture of responsible driving among young people, the chief minister directed the Basic and Secondary Education Departments to incorporate traffic rules and road safety guidelines into school curricula. He stressed the importance of educating students from an early age to foster disciplined driving habits and greater awareness of road safety regulations.
Moreover, schools and colleges were encouraged to conduct regular road safety awareness programs and activities. By instilling responsible road behavior in students, the government aims to reduce instances of underage and reckless driving.
Regulation of E-Rickshaws
Another significant directive issued by Adityanath was the verification of all e-rickshaw drivers in the state. Given the growing number of e-rickshaws on the roads and concerns over unlicensed and underage drivers operating these vehicles, the chief minister stressed the need for strict verification processes to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Regular Review Meetings
To ensure that these measures are effectively implemented and monitored, the chief minister instructed officials to hold district-level road safety meetings on a monthly basis. Additionally, divisional meetings should be conducted quarterly to assess progress and address any ongoing challenges.
Adityanath expressed disappointment over the fact that six divisions—Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, and Agra—only held one meeting last year. He emphasized that regular review meetings are essential to track the impact of safety initiatives and make necessary adjustments to policies
The Uttar Pradesh government is taking a multi-pronged approach to tackling road accidents by strengthening enforcement, improving infrastructure, and raising awareness. The chief minister’s directives reflect a commitment to reducing road fatalities and ensuring safer travel conditions for all citizens.
By focusing on better medical response facilities, stricter traffic regulations, improved infrastructure, and public awareness, the state hopes to make a significant impact in bringing down the high number of road accidents. The success of these initiatives will depend on the coordinated efforts of various departments and strict enforcement of road safety measures.
