IMPHAL, February 10: School vans ferrying children in the State is of utmost concern as they tend to neglect all safety measures and are prone to accidents, Transport commissioner M Laksmikumar Singh said during the inaugural of a two-day training programme on road safety, traffic and motor vehicle regulations.
He said even the Supreme Court has issued a directive in this regard.
The training programme organised by the Directorate of Transport, Government of Manipur in collaboration with Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) Bhosari, Pune was held at the State Academy of Training, Takyelpat.
Further in his speech, Lakshmikumar said traffic police in the State are understaffed and ill-equipped.
He said he will also raise the issue before the State cabinet.
There are more than 3 lakhs vehicles registered with the State transport directorate with most of them in the twin districts of Imphal East and West, he said.
He also said that altogether 39 persons had died in road accidents, while 490 persons were injured in 220 cases of road accidents in the year 2014.
He said most of the common cause of accidents were drunk and reckless driving.
Lakshmikumar also said that the Traffic Regulation and Parking Committee headed by the Transport minister will soon be made functional in the State.
IGP (Zone-1) Clay Khongsai who attended the function as the guest of honour said the programme has been organised at an opportune time.
He said the Transport directorate should not be the lone responsible to ensure safety on the road and check traffic issues, but everyone should contribute to making the roads safer.
The inaugural session of the programme was also attended by director (Transport) H Rosita; CMDC CIRT, Pune P Kakade; deputy secretary (Transport) Dr Rangitabali Waikhom, representatives of motor dealers, officials of Transport directorate, Manipur Police department, Health Services, Manipur Pollution Control Board, PWD, MAHUD department and town planning department.