National Road Safety Month 2026 held
- Imphal, 10th January 2026 :: DIPR Manipur -

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Media Sensitization Programme in connection with National Road Safety Month 2026 held

A media sensitization programme in connection with the National Road Safety Month 2026 was held at the Conference Hall of Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal today. The sensitization programme with the theme ‘Strengthening Media Partnership for Safer Roads’ was organized by Transport Department, Government of Manipur.

It may be mentioned that the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways organizes National Road Safety Month 2026 annually in India during the month of January. The main goal of organizing the campaign is to promote road safety awareness and reduce accidents. The 2026 theme is "Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha". This month highlights vital road safety rules and guidelines across the nation.

Shri Anurag Bajpai, IFS, Addl. Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries and Transport) addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest stressed that the observation is to reaffirm our commitment to save lives, strengthen traffic discipline and built safer community across the state. The observation should not be just an event but an event to inculcate road safety rules as a habit from the very beginning of educating the children.

Stating that everyone has the knowledge of the importance of observing Road safety month, he said media plays a vital role in shaping the public behaviour towards road safety. Road safety month reminds us of a profound truth that most road accidents are preventable and every life lost in road accidents is a tragedy for the family, the community and the state, he said. In Manipur, both in valley and hill district, ensuring road safety must be a top priority among infrastructure development.

He urged the media persons to observe the shortcomings of the road safety guidelines such as construction of caution marks in the school areas to avoid unwanted incidents. It is for the welfare of the society and the community, he added.

Stating that during this month, both from the Government of Manipur and Transport Department, effort is made to intensify Engineering, Enforcement and Education, he said measures are being taken to improve road designs, signages, fixing black spots, pedestrian safety etc. He said the department will organize a series of events engaging in educational activities in schools and District Collectors have been informed to organize the events in their respective districts. The aim is to sensitize the citizens regarding traffic rules, responsible driving and protection of human lives in line with the theme "Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha".

Shri Bajpai urged the media to provide extensive coverage of the activities across the state and indulge in active participation in promoting a culture of road safety. He said the role of media is crucial and is not just a messenger but also a powerful partner in shaping public behaviour and social attitudes.

Responsible reporting can help create a culture that safe driving is valued and urge the reporters to highlight the cause of road accidents. Media can play a vital role in countering misinformation with sensible reporting. The government of Manipur is committed to work with stakeholders to disseminate accurate information, safety advisories and public awareness messages, he added.

Regarding initiation of an award for exclusive road safety reporting, he said necessary steps will be taken up. He appealed the citizens of Manipur to follow traffic rules by wearing helmets, seat belts, avoid speeding and drunk driving, respect pedestrians and called upon all stakeholders to spread the message of traffic rules consistently. He further said that road safety is not about fines alone, it is about saving lives and with collective effort, responsible media engagement and public cooperation, Manipur can become a safer state.

Shri Ng. Uttam, MCS, Director, IPR, in his speech stressed on the alarming issue of road safety in India considering the global scenario. He said death of a person in a road accident cannot be taken as a loss for the family only but for the whole society. He further said that the role of media is important in bringing a change among the general public. He appealed the media fraternity to spread advocacy for road safety while reporting on road accidents.

Stating that people are hesitant to help a person in road accident adhering to the traffic law he said a reform is needed so as to avoid inconveniences in helping a person in road accident. To decrease road accident and other related traffic issues, revival of public transport system is a must, he said. He further added that cooperation among various department considering the suitability of the conditions of the general public.

During the interaction session, Shri Anurag Bajpai stressed on the various steps taken up by the Department such as reviving of public transport system, construction of multi-level parking area etc. He also urged the media fraternity to highlight the good sides of the public in following traffic rules and regulations. Director (Transport) Smt. Kh. Diana Devi, IAS also says that possible steps will be taken up by the department in connection with traffic inconveniences and other related issues.

Smt. Kh. Diana Devi, IAS, Director, Transport Department; Shri Tayenjam Bishwajit, Addl. SP, Traffic Control Police Wing; Shri Khogendra Khomdram, President, EGM; Shri Asem Bhakta Singh, President, AMWJU; officials of Traffic Control Police Wing, staffs of Transport Department and representatives of various media firms of both Print and Electronic media attended the sensitization programme.

Media Sensitization Programme in connection with National Road Safety Month 2026 held

Government Of Manipur
Directorate Of Information And Public Relations