Centre committed to improving national, state highways: Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that a new Motor Vehicles Bill will be introduced in the next session of Parliament. 

The minister, who was addressing the audience via a video call at the launch of a ‘Road to Safety’ campaign in the City, said that commuters and pedestrians should be aware of road safety rules and take responsibility for their actions. 

“The Centre is committed to improve the condition of national and state highways. We are also aiming to upgrade highways to international standards,” he said.

Transport and district in-charge minister Ramalinga Reddy, who was present at the event, said that the State government is trying its best to educate people on safe driving practices and traffic rules through awareness campaigns. 

“The State government has received a copy of the new Motor Vehicle Bill draft and is studying it. The law will be implemented in the State once it is introduced in Parliament,” the minister said.   

Commuters woes

At the event, participants spoke about the problems they faced while commuting in the City. 

Speaking on traffic rule violations, a participant spoke about how a Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver hurled abuses at her when she asked him to stop talking on the phone while driving.

Praveen Sood, Additional Director General of Police and Principal Secretary of Home department, Karnataka, highlighted that the fine amount for violating traffic rules is less in India and said that if a reasonable rate is introduced, some discipline could be brought about. 

The event was also attended by actor Karisma Kapoor and Rohit Baluja, president of the Institute of Road Traffic Education.