News & Announcement

'Be a Road Safety Hero' Echoed with a Rally on Road Safety

Date: 07-Feb-2025
Gangtok, February 7 (IPR):
Mr Tushar Nikhare, District Collector Gangtok, officially kicked off a rally from the SNT Complex today. This impactful event, aimed at raising awareness about road safety, was organised by the District Road Safety Committee under the guidance of the RTO Gangtok, in celebration of the National Road Safety Month.
The rally brought together 25 bikers from various riding clubs across Sikkim, along with members of the Chalak Board and enthusiastic students from West Point Senior Secondary School and Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School.
The participants rode through Hospital Dara, passed by Lal Bazar, and ultimately gathered in front of the Tourist Information Centre at MG Marg.
Following the rally, a brief programme took place at MG Marg, attended by notable figures including Mr Tushar Nikhare, DC Gangtok; Mr Bijay Gurung, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic); Mr Dilip Sharma, RTO Gangtok; Mr Phurba Wangyal Bhutia, Deputy RTO; Ms Indira Poudyal, Deputy RTO; along with the dedicated staff from the Gangtok RTO office.
Mr Prabal Rai, a well-known radio jockey, served as the keynote speaker, delivering an engaging presentation on the vital importance of road safety. He emphasised that safe practices are not just the responsibility of the drivers, but the responsibility of one and all. Mr Rai pointed out that pedestrians often neglect basic safety measures, which can create risky situations on the roads. He called for increased awareness and cooperation from all road users, urging everyone to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols for the well-being of the entire community.
Mr Sonam N Bhutia, Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), offered an informative overview of National Road Safety Month 2025, highlighting this year's theme: "Be a Road Safety Hero." He shared a concerning statistic: despite numerous road safety campaigns and initiatives, India holds the unfortunate title of having the highest number of road accident fatalities in the world, accounting for approximately 11% of all accident-related deaths globally. This alarming trend is echoed in Sikkim, where road accidents are on the rise, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness. In response to this challenge, the Government of India has set a goal to reduce road accidents by 50% by 2030. Thus, it's crucial for everyone to stay informed and vigilant while on the roads.
The event concluded with a captivating performance by the National Award-winning Brass Band from West Point Senior Secondary School. The marching band, along with the guests, paraded around MG Marg to further underscore the importance of road safety awareness.
The rally then proceeded to Manan Kendra, where a workshop on road safety is set to take place.