Patna: Bihar has intensified its efforts to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents, with around 15,000 driving licences suspended or cancelled across the state. Drivers whose licences have been suspended or cancelled could face vehicle seizure if they are caught driving again.
The state Transport Department has been directed to accelerate enforcement against traffic violators and ensure stricter compliance with road safety regulations. The measures were reviewed at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Lead Agency, Bihar Road Safety Council, chaired by Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh on Thursday, October 29.
Action on Pending Licence Suspension Recommendations Within 15 Days
During the meeting, Singh directed the Transport Department to take action, in accordance with the rules, on recommendations for driving licence suspension within 15 days.
Officials were also instructed to intensify proceedings to suspend or cancel the licences of traffic violators and strengthen enforcement of road safety provisions. The focus is on deterring repeat violations and improving compliance with traffic regulations.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Transport, Road Construction, Home, Health, Disaster Management, Education, Urban Development and Housing departments, along with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Bihar Completes Work on 5,124 Zebra Crossings
The state is also focusing on road infrastructure to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians. The Road Construction Department and NHAI have completed the construction or repainting of 5,124 zebra crossings across Bihar.
Another 161 zebra crossings are under construction, while 1,060 have been proposed.
The development of pedestrian facilities and safer road crossings is part of the state’s broader effort to reduce accident risks and strengthen traffic management.
474 Vehicle Underpasses and 170 Pedestrian Underpasses Completed
Bihar has completed the construction of 474 vehicle underpasses (VUPs), while 219 are under construction and 11 are proposed, according to the figures reviewed at the meeting.
For pedestrian safety, 170 pedestrian underpasses (PUPs) have been completed. Of these, the Road Construction Department built 30, while NHAI constructed 140. Another 27 pedestrian underpasses under NHAI are currently under construction.
These facilities are intended to improve the movement of vehicles and pedestrians while reducing potential conflicts on busy roads.
8,547 School Buses Display Seating Capacity
The state has also reviewed measures to improve the safety of schoolchildren travelling by bus.
Of Bihar’s 9,162 school buses, 8,547 now display their prescribed seating capacity. The Education Department has been instructed to ensure that the remaining buses also display the required information.
Displaying seating capacity is intended to promote compliance with passenger limits and improve awareness of safe school transport practices.
Senior Officials Review Road Safety Measures
The meeting was attended by Home Department Principal Secretary Pankaj Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) Sudhanshu Singh, Transport Secretary Raj Kumar, State Transport Commissioner Arif Ahsan and representatives of other concerned departments.
The review covered enforcement against traffic violations, road safety infrastructure and measures to protect pedestrians and schoolchildren. Authorities have called for faster implementation of pending measures and stricter adherence to traffic regulations across Bihar.
