Patna: The Bihar government is set to launch a state-wide campaign targeting two-wheeler riders without helmets and overloaded vehicles, in a bid to strengthen road safety and enforcement. The directive came following a high-level review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, Mihir Kumar Singh, held at Visvesvaraya Bhawan on Tuesday.
Singh instructed all District Transport Officers (DTOs) to implement rigorous inspection drives through patrolling and checkpoints across two shifts daily in every district. Emphasising the need for stricter enforcement, he ordered the imposition of penalties on riders flouting helmet regulations and those involved in overloading.
In a move to streamline driving licence issuance, Singh also announced the operational rollout of modern driving testing tracks in 27 districts. These tracks will now be used to assess applicants, with licences granted only upon successful completion of the tests.
Additionally, the state is aiming to improve public transport for women. Singh proposed that the first four rows in all public buses be reserved for female passengers. He also directed authorities to carry out mandatory fitness checks of ageing and unfit buses operating across Bihar.
