Maharashtra Allocates ₹250 Crore for Modern Traffic System

State Plans Mobile Safety Vans, Traffic Parks and Awareness Programs to Reduce Road Accident Deaths

THANE: Maharashtra is stepping up its road safety efforts with a ₹250 crore allocation for a modern traffic management system designed to improve traffic discipline and help reduce road accident deaths.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the initiative while launching the “Traffic School on Wheels” campaign at Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane. The new program will use mobile safety vans, traffic parks and public awareness activities to teach people about safer road habits.

₹250 Crore Traffic Management Plan for Maharashtra

The state government has set aside ₹250 crore for the new traffic management system, with the project expected to be completed during the 2026-27 financial year.

The plan focuses on bringing traffic management closer to communities and making road safety education more accessible. Officials aim to encourage people to follow traffic rules and take greater responsibility while using roads.

Sarnaik said road safety cannot be handled by government agencies alone. He called for greater public participation and stressed that responsible driving and careful road use can help protect lives.

Pedestrians and Two-Wheeler Riders Face Major Risks

The Transport Minister highlighted the serious impact of road accidents, noting that pedestrians and two-wheeler riders made up around 70 percent of road accident deaths across India in 2023.

In Maharashtra, the figures included 3,110 pedestrian deaths and nearly 7,782 deaths involving two-wheeler riders.

The state plans to strengthen road safety awareness programs to address these risks, particularly among vulnerable road users.

Mobile Safety Vans to Reach All Districts

As part of the wider road safety campaign, Maharashtra plans to provide mobile safety vans across districts. The government is expected to coordinate with the Chief Minister to support the initiative through District Planning Development Committee funds.

These vans will take road safety education directly to schools, residential communities and other public areas, helping people learn traffic rules through practical and engaging sessions.

Traffic Parks Planned Near RTO Offices

The government also plans to establish “Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Traffic Parks” near Regional Transport Offices across the state.

These parks are expected to provide people, especially children and young learners, with a practical environment to understand traffic signals, road signs and safe road behavior.

‘Traffic School on Wheels’ Begins in Thane

The newly launched Traffic School on Wheels is an initiative of the Thane City Police and Traffic Branch, with sponsorship support from Meyer Pharma.

The specially designed van includes a media screen and a collection of 40 short educational films covering important road safety practices.

A team consisting of one police officer and four personnel will operate the mobile school. The van will initially visit two schools each day before expanding its programs to large residential housing complexes.

Focus on Road Safety Education From a Young Age

During the launch event, MLA Sanjay Kelkar called for traffic discipline to become a mandatory standalone subject in school textbooks.

Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Dnyaneshwar Chavan also highlighted the importance of responsible behavior on the road. He urged motorists to avoid overconfidence and ego while driving.

With mobile education programs, traffic parks and a major investment in traffic management, Maharashtra is aiming to build stronger road safety awareness and encourage safer travel across the state.