Media sensitization programme on road safety ISBT will be functional in 10 days, says Addl CS

DIPR/OSR
Imphal, Jan 10 : Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Khuman Lampak is all set to become functional again  within 10 days.
This was stated by Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Anurag Bajpai at a media sensitization programme held today in con- nection with the National Road Safety Month 2026 at the conference hall of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.
The sensitization programme was organised by the Transport Department, Government of Manipur under the theme ‘Strengthening Media Partnership for Safer Roads’ .
The main goal of organizing the campaign was to promote road safety awareness and reduce accidents.
The theme for this  year's National Road Safety Month is “Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha” which highlights vital road safety rules and guidelines.
Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries and Transport)  Anurag Bajpai, addressing the gathering as chief guest, stressed that the observance of this month serves as a reaffirmation of 'our commitment' to saving lives, reinforcing traffic discipline, and building a safer community across the State.
The observation should not merely be seen as an event, but as an opportunity to follow road safety rules as a habit from an early age, he said.
Acknowledging that everyone is aware of the impor- tance of observing Road Safety Month, he highlighted that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public behaviour towards road safety.
In Manipur, both in the valley and hill districts, ensuring road safety must be a top priority in infrastructure development, he said and urged the media to highlight gaps in road safety guidelines, such as the need for caution signs near school areas, to prevent accidents.
 "This is crucial for the welfare of society and the community," he added.
He stated that during this month, both the Government of Manipur and the Transport Department are focusing on intensifying efforts in engineering, enforcement, and education to improve road designs, signage, address black spots, and enhance pedestrian safety, among other initiatives.
The department will organize a series of educational activities in schools to raise awareness among citizens about traffic rules, responsible driving, and the protection of human lives, in line with the theme “Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha,” the senior bureaucrat said.
Bajpai urged the media to provide extensive coverage of the activities across the State and actively participate in promoting a culture of road safety.
He emphasized that the media's role is not just to relay information but to serve as a powerful partner in shaping public behavior and social attitudes.
Responsible reporting, he said, can help cultivate a culture where safe driving is valued.
He urged reporters to highlight the causes of road accidents.
Regarding the initiation of an award for outstanding road safety reporting, he stated that necessary steps will be taken to implement it.
He appealed to the citizens of Manipur to adhere to traffic rules by wearing helmets, seat belts, avoiding speeding and drunk driving, and respecting pedestrians.
He also called on all stakeholders to consistently spread the message of road safety.
Furthermore, he emphasized that road safety is not just about fines, but about saving lives.
With collective effort, responsible media engagement, and public cooperation, Manipur can become a safer State, he said.
IPR Director Ng Uttam, while highlighting the alarming issue of road safety in India, emphasised that the death of an individual in a road accident is not just a loss for the family, but for society as a whole.
He appealed to the media fraternity to advocate for road safety while reporting on road accidents.
Saying that many people hesitate to assist accident victims due to possible legal complications, he called for reforms to ensure that helping accident victims does not lead to unnecessary complications.
To reduce road accidents and related traffic issues, he underscored the need for reviving the public transport system. Uttam added that cooperation among various departments, with careful consideration of public needs, is essential for addressing these challenges.
During the interaction session, Anurag Bajpai highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the department, such as reviving the public transport system and constructing multi-level parking areas.
He urged the media to highlight the positive aspects of the public's adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
Transport Director Kh Diana Devi also assured that the department will take necessary steps to address traffic-related inconveniences and other associated issues.
Additional SP of Traffic Control Police Wing Tayenjam Bishwajit, Editors Guild Manipur president Khogendra Khomdram and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Asem Bhakta Singh also attended the programme, among others.