Leh, June 2: In a significant move aimed at strengthening road safety and ensuring compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess the implementation of safety measures on national highways across the Union Territory.
The meeting focused on compliance with the Supreme Court’s April 13, 2026 directions issued in the suo motu writ petition concerning national highway safety. Senior officials from key stakeholder departments, including the Transport Department, Police, NHIDCL and BRO, participated in the review.
Secretary Transport, Rahul Sharma, briefed the meeting on the Supreme Court’s directives and the steps required to ensure adherence to prescribed road safety norms.
Reviewing the status of highway infrastructure and traffic management systems, the Chief Secretary sought detailed updates on road maintenance responsibilities, accident-prone stretches and ongoing safety interventions. Particular emphasis was placed on regulating heavy commercial vehicles, curbing unauthorized highway parking and strengthening enforcement against traffic violations.
Kundra directed the Transport Department to explore a comprehensive policy framework for commercial vehicle operations and road safety awareness. He stressed the need for extensive public outreach campaigns to promote safe driving practices, adherence to traffic rules and awareness about emergency response mechanisms.
A key focus of the meeting was the identification and treatment of accident blackspots. Officials informed that six accident-prone locations have been identified on national highways in Ladakh. The Chief Secretary instructed concerned agencies to conduct scientific assessments of these sites and implement corrective measures, including improved signage, engineering upgrades, traffic-calming interventions and enhanced monitoring.
The meeting also discussed the deployment of technology-driven enforcement systems such as surveillance cameras, e-challan mechanisms and digital monitoring tools to improve compliance and strengthen road safety management.
Calling for greater accountability, Kundra directed all departments and agencies to clearly define their responsibilities and submit updated compliance reports on the Supreme Court’s directions. He also ordered a follow-up review within ten days to assess progress and ensure timely implementation of safety measures.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and coordinated efforts by all departments are essential to reduce accidents and improve safety standards on national highways,” the Chief Secretary emphasized.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including AIG Traffic Rajneesh Garg, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh Sonam Nurboo, along with representatives of NHIDCL, BRO and other concerned departments.
