'Safe Kerala' set to take wings

Kochi: The state government is set to launch the 'Safe Kerala' project aimed at reducing accidents by ensuring round-the-clock patrolling on main roads across the state in two weeks.

According to MVD sources, the government has included it in the 1,000 new development projects and welfare measures to be announced as part of celebrating the LDF government's 1,000 days in office from February 20 to 27.

"Under the project, a dedicated force under the MVD will be entrusted to enforce road laws on the ground and to speed up rescue operations on the model of successful Sabarimala Safe Zone project. The training for 187 personnel selected as the assistant motor vehicle inspectors of the force is being completed at Thrissur police academy," the sources said.

Earlier, the cabinet had approved the creation of 262 additional posts in the motor vehicles department - 10 regional transport officers, 65 motor vehicle inspectors and 187 assistant motor vehicle inspectors. With this, the number of enforcement squads will be increased from the current 34 to 85.

"The squads will patrol all major roads round-the-clock and will be mainly entrusted with checking reckless driving among others. They will be equipped with all modern equipment, including GPS tracking system and surveillance cameras with video recording," they said.

The force will work in close co-ordination with other government departments, including police, health, fire and rescue and national highway authorities among others.

"In case of mishaps, the force will co-ordinate with other agencies and ensure quick help to victims. For this, specialised control rooms will be set up in each district," the sources said.

The project was planned following the success of 'Safe Sabarimala Zone' project under which the authorities achieved zero accident deaths in the region during the pilgrimage season.

Nearly 4,200 people lost their lives in 40, 111 accidents in 2018, a slight increase from 4,131 accident deaths a year ago.