Leh, June 2, 2026: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a review meeting regarding national highway safety and compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated April 13, 2026, passed in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9 of 2025.
The meeting was convened to assess the status of implementation of various road safety measures and to review the responsibilities of stakeholder departments and agencies involved in the development, maintenance, regulation, and monitoring of national highways in Ladakh.
At the outset, Secretary, Transport Department, Shri Rahul Sharma, provided an overview of the directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and briefed the participants on the actions required for ensuring compliance with the prescribed road safety norms and standards.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the status of highway infrastructure, traffic management systems, and safety measures being implemented by the concerned agencies. He sought updates from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Police Department, and Transport Department regarding road ownership, maintenance responsibilities, accident-prone stretches, and ongoing safety interventions.
Special emphasis was laid on enforcement measures relating to heavy commercial vehicles, unauthorized parking along highways, traffic regulation, and road user discipline. Shri Kundra reviewed the status of traffic challans, enforcement mechanisms, and the legal provisions being invoked to improve compliance with road safety regulations.
The Chief Secretary directed the Transport Department to examine the feasibility of formulating a structured policy framework for commercial vehicle operations and road safety awareness. He also emphasized the need for greater public outreach and awareness regarding traffic rules, safe driving practices, and emergency response systems.
The meeting also reviewed the identification and management of road accident blackspots across the Union Territory. Officials informed that six blackspots have been identified on national highways in Ladakh. Shri Kundra directed the concerned agencies to undertake a scientific assessment of these locations and implement appropriate mitigation measures, including improved signage, engineering interventions, traffic calming measures, and enhanced monitoring.
Discussions were also held on the use of technology-based enforcement mechanisms, including surveillance cameras, electronic challan systems, and digital monitoring tools to strengthen road safety management and ensure better compliance with traffic regulations.
The Chief Secretary instructed all stakeholder departments and agencies to clearly define their responsibilities and submit updated compliance reports on the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. He further directed that a follow-up review meeting be held within the next ten days to assess progress and ensure timely implementation of all required measures.
Emphasizing the importance of coordinated action, Shri Kundra stated that road safety is a shared responsibility and called upon all departments to work in close coordination to enhance safety standards on national highways and reduce road accidents in Ladakh.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Transport Department, Shri Rahul Sharma; Dr. Rajneesh Garg, IPS, AIG Traffic; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shri Romil Singh Donk; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shri Sonam Nurboo; representatives of NHIDCL, BRO, Police Department, and other concerned officers.
