RTA will be strengthened

According to the Regional Transport Officer, helmets are a must for pillion riders as well

The Road Transport Authority in collaboration with the police department is leaving no stones unturned to bring down accident rates in the city. According to the Road Transport Officer (RTO) and in-charge Deputy Transport Commissioner Rama Swamy, “Most number of accidents happens to youngsters, and even here the cases of fatalities are majorly among pillion riders.”

Speaking to CityTAB, he stressed on the need for pillion riders to wear helmets. “A study by the department revealed that head injuries were the cause of most of the deaths in road mishaps and if head injuries could be avoided, the death rate in accidents would come down. Despite the inconvenience that may be caused to the helmet wearers, life is dearer than anything else,” he added.

In 2011, 729 died in 2068 road accidents. Between 2011 and 2014 the number of deaths recorded every year had been, by and large the same with every year registering 700 to 750 deaths. In 2015 the deaths recorded in six months is 297. Other reasons for deaths on roads according to him are drunken driving, ignorance on road safety rules and reckless driving in city and on the highways.

He shared the roles the RTA has been playing in promoting safe driving among youths. “The RTA officials despite having busy work schedules and inadequate staff are taking out time to visit colleges and schools and create awareness on road safety, traffic rules and regulations, presence of mind in averting accidents, avoid using cellphones and drunken driving.”

Rama Swamy, RTO feels that the RTA staff in Vijayawada should be strengthened as it is the capital of the state. “In the next couple of years one can see an increase in movement of two and four-wheelers and the need to strengthen road infrastructure. Even at present, there is already a dearth of personnel and vacancies need to be filled.

While the original cadre strength should be 121 for the district including regional transport officers and vehicle inspectors, constables and other administrative staff, only 76 personnel are operating and the vacancies that need to be filled stands at 45, including all cadres. If the capital needs are to be taken into consideration, a big boost of cadre strength is the need of the hour.”

With regard to fitness of private school buses, out of 2419 school buses operating in the district, 1868 buses have already obtained fitness certificates a thorough check. Another 483 buses are yet to them, the RTO said. There are 3,65,321 motor cycles, 36,300 cars and 29,123 auto rickshaws operating in the city.

Infrastructure must be developed keeping the development boom in all spheres in the district. RTA should be well equipped to face the increasing pressure on traffic management. RTA Rama Swamy says that he would leave no stone unturned to gear up the district for excellent traffic management with the cooperation of the police and the municipal corporations.

By:Ravi P Benjamin