As part of National Road Safety Month 2025, the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Kargil, in collaboration with the Traffic Department and All Kargil Transport Association (AKTA) Ladakh, organized a road safety awareness program at the Conference Hall, Baroo, Kargil, on January 16.

The program was attended by SSP Kargil, Shree Ram R, as the chief guest, along with ASP Kargil, Nitin Yadav; ARTO Kargil, Khadim Hussain; Mohammad Nissar from Traffic Police; Assistant Engineer BRO, Chorasia; AD DIPR Kargil, Raza Ali Abidi; Chief Education Officer Kargil, medical representatives, and members of various transport associations in the district.

The event commenced with a one-minute silence in memory of five citizens who tragically lost their lives in a recent accident in the Shilikchey area of Kargil.

ARTO Kargil, Khadim Hussain, delivered a presentation on critical road safety rules and regulations, followed by ASP Nitin Yadav, who provided data highlighting the alarming rate of accidents, fatalities, and traffic violations in the region.

Dr. Shazia Naaz, Consultant Anesthetist at DHK, presented a session on administering CPR during road accidents, including practical demonstrations for adults and children. She also educated attendees on the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and their life-saving potential during emergencies.

SSP Kargil, Shree Ram R, stressed the importance of road safety and presented data on road traffic accidents in the district. He identified overspeeding, overloading, and night driving as the leading causes of accidents and assured that the department is actively working to reduce these through awareness campaigns in schools and collaboration with transport associations.

Mudasir, JE PMGSY, spoke about nationwide road safety challenges and introduced the 5Es of Road Safety: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Emergency Services, and Evaluation, emphasizing the need for engineering measures to prevent accidents.

Nissar Hussain from Traffic Police Ladakh highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and urged attendees to take personal responsibility for road safety.

He emphasized the importance of proper stops for van drivers to avoid traffic congestion and ensure passenger safety.

Assistant Engineer BRO, Chorasia, highlighted the role of road maintenance in ensuring safety and called for continued cooperation between departments and the public to achieve safer roads.

Representatives from the Transport Association, Idrees and Mustafa, spoke about transporters' challenges in maintaining road safety and stressed the importance of collective efforts to reduce accidents.

Organised as part of National Road Safety Month, running from January 1 to January 31, 2025, the initiative seeks to engage stakeholders, including citizens, youth, and local authorities, to raise awareness about road safety and reduce accidents.