Shimla: Traffic congestion on mind, ‘Apple on wheels’ plan launched
Navneet Rathore
Shimla, July 7
To reduce the number of road accidents and congestion during the apple season, the Shimla police have decided to again implement the ‘Apple on wheels’ traffic plan, which will remain in force in the district from July 15 till October-end.
The police have identified routes for vehicles carrying apple, besides bottlenecks, accident-prone areas and black spots. Under the plan, highway patrols will be deputed to clear traffic congestion even as quick reaction teams and JCB machines, cranes and hydraulic machines will be placed at specific points.
The police will also set up nakas and control rooms at all entry points and the main control room will be at Fagu. Further, the safety and security of the apple crop during inter-state transportation will also be ensured.
Drivers will be educated on how to drive in hills. Special eye-testing camps will be organised and a pre-liaison meeting with transporters will be held. Crucial holding points will be set up where vehicles will be given a halt to cool off the brake mechanism.
The police will take action against overloading, drunken driving, rash and negligent driving. Unskilled drivers and drivers without licences will be under scrutiny. About 300 officials will be deployed for the safe and smooth transportation of apple.
Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi said, “We have done an in-depth study on the volume of traffic seen in the previous years and have found that black spots lead to road accidents.” He added that special efforts would be made to mitigate road accidents and action would be ensured against drunk drivers, overloaded vehicles and in cases of over-speeding.
He said ,”Special signage will be placed at the black spots having a history of fatal accidents.” The plan, which was introduced last year, got positive results. There was a 58 per cent decrease in deaths in accidents in 2023 as compared to 2022. Similarly, road accidents also reduced by 41 per cent and there was a 54 per cent decrease in injuries in accidents.
