New Delhi: Transport Minister G.S. Bali stressed to explore alternate modes of transport to supplement the road system in the State and providing special assistance to the hilly States to reduce the fatalities and save accidental victims.

Bali, in a 17th meeting of the National Road Safety Council held at New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, suggested to explore alternate mode of transport as the roads were the main mode of transportation in the State. He proposed ropeway from Parwanoo to Shimla and to consider the proposal of the State for development of water ways.

The transport Minister emphasised that to reduce the fatalities and save accidental victims during golden hours, special assistance should be provided to the hilly States. He suggested for more trauma centres, making provision of heli ambulance, providing life support ambulances and more interceptors to check over speeding besides provision of heavy cranes for recovering accidental vehicles especially to save the trapped victims.

Bali said there was need for strengthening the black spots and also suggested for exposure of group of Ministers to other countries to learn the best practices to improve the road safety.

The Union Ministry also rewarded Rs. 25000 each to two drivers of HRTC for safe driving during this function including Jaswant Singh of Chamba Depot and Karam Singh of Reckong Peo Depot.