Talks on electronic surveillance system in Siliguri to curb road accidents

State transport minister Snehasish Chakraborty says the system is in place in Calcutta and has helped reduce road accidents

State transport minister Snehasish Chakraborty (in brown jacket, facing a laptop) at the meeting in the Jalpaiguri district collectorate on Thursday.: Biplab Basak

TT Correspondent, Jalpaiguri, 05.01.24 : The state transport department is mulling a proposal to introduce the electronic surveillance system in Siliguri to curb road accidents and detect and intercept vehicles that violate speed limits.

State transport minister Snehasish Chakraborty, who was here on Thursday, said the system was in place in Calcutta and had helped reduce road accidents.

“We are planning to introduce the system in Siliguri, especially on roads with black spots (accident-prone stretches). This system helps us in locating a speeding vehicle through a camera, and track and intercept it on the road to avert accidents,” said Chakraborty.

During his visit, the minister held a meeting with officials of his department posted in seven north Bengal districts, barring Malda.

Talking to newspersons, Chakraborty also said that his department had introduced a penalty waiver scheme on motor vehicle tax, fitness certificates and the renewal of permits.

In Bengal, Chakraborty said, around Rs 2,600 crore can be earned by renewing the certificate of fitness of eight lakh-odd vehicles of the state. Also, motor vehicle tax for another 12.5 lakh vehicles is due.

“We have come up with a waiver scheme where vehicle owners can enjoy a waiver on penalty if they pay dues during the next two months, that is, by February. Both government and private vehicles are eligible for the benefit,” the minister said.

Chakraborty also said that e-rickshaws would not be allowed to ply on highways for the sake of safety.

“We have also made it clear that e-rickshaws that are locally made without any parameters have to be seized and dismantled,” he said.

The transport department, Chakraborty said, has recently bought 300 buses, which include battery and CNG-run buses.

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph