Nitin Gadkari Urges Fixing Driving Hours For Commercial Truckers To Reduce Accidents

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emphasised on fixing driving hours for commercial truck drivers, similar to pilots, to reduce fatigue-induced road accidents.

In a National Road Safety Council (NRSC) meeting with the non-official co-opted individual members, he directed officers to work on a policy to include on-board sleep detection sensors in commercial vehicles, at par with European standards. The minister has directed the council to meet every two months and share their updates.

Gadkari said he would also write letters to chief ministers and collectors to ensure that district road committee meetings are held regularly.

The NRSC was formed by the ministry on 28 July this year. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways General V K Singh attended the meeting along with the senior officials of the ministry. During the meeting, the members put forward important suggestions to improve road safety.

Gadkari advised members to work in diversified areas of road safety so that more lives can be saved on road. Members have also been requested to share their experiences with each other.

He directed ministry officials to work in close coordination with the NRSC members and implement their proposals on priority. A monthly magazine, highlighting achievements made in the area of road safety, would be brought out.