Tripura's Road Safety Overhaul: Relocating Liquor Shops to Curb Accidents

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed law enforcement agencies to prepare a report on liquor shops operating within 100 meters of national highways. This move aims to reduce road accidents caused by drunken driving. The government is set to take steps to relocate these outlets to improve road safety.

In a significant move to curb road accidents, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has issued directives to law enforcement agencies to compile a comprehensive report on liquor outlets operating within 100 meters of national highways. The government plans to relocate these establishments as part of its strategy to mitigate drunken driving incidents.

Back in December 2017, the Supreme Court banned the sale of liquor within 500 meters of the outer edge of national and state highways. This was later adjusted to 220 meters for areas with populations under 20,000. Despite these regulations, Tripura has recorded 1,340 deaths and 3,724 injuries from 3,307 road accidents over the past six years.

Chief Minister Saha stressed the urgency of the situation, urging police and other agencies to enforce the wearing of seat belts and to reassess the placement of liquor shops by national highways. Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury emphasized the state's commitment to using modern equipment and increasing public awareness to further reduce fatal road accidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)