Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches New Patrolling Vehicles in Shimla
To improve traffic management and emergency response across the state, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off 25 new patrolling vehicles on Sunday. In the first phase, 19 patrolling motorcycles were allocated to Shimla, and six to the Nurpur Police District, with an investment of approximately Rs 3.72 crore.
New Equipment for Shimla
Shimla district will benefit from a range of new equipment, including:
- 30 handheld speed guns
- 10 body-worn cameras
- 18 alco sensors
- 30 vehicle-operated speed signs
- 80 expandable barriers
- 225 reflective jackets
- 115 rechargeable batons
- 200 traffic cones
- 70 interlocking plastic barricades
- 30 searchlights
Plans are also underway to equip Kangra and Mandi districts similarly.
Statements from Officials
Director General of Police, Dr Atul Varma, said, “The new equipment and vehicles will significantly enhance our ability to enforce traffic regulations and respond effectively to emergencies. We will improve the equipment and install cameras in it. These bikes would help to minimise the traffic regulations in the state.”
Chief Minister Sukhu outlined that the government is investing Rs 27 crore in various equipment to bolster police capabilities in traffic enforcement, surveillance, and emergency response. This includes 42 four-wheelers, 27 two-wheelers, 14 interceptor vehicles, and specialised equipment for rescue operations. All procurement is expected to be completed by March 2025, with distribution to police stations in Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi.
Future Investments
An investment of approximately Rs 90 crore will fund the acquisition of advanced patrolling, surveillance, and emergency response equipment. An additional Rs 61.57 crore will establish an integrated road safety enforcement system in Shimla, featuring 532 AI-equipped cameras at 214 strategic locations across Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi.
CM Sukhu said, “Our government is committed to improving road safety through innovative measures and substantial investments in infrastructure and equipment.” He emphasised the long-term action plan, which includes improvements in road engineering, enhanced police patrolling, and specialised training for both police and public works department engineers.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said, “We are implementing a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety and traffic management, reflecting our commitment to protecting lives and improving infrastructure. PWD department has given World Bank funded bikes to state police and it would help in improving road safety.”
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and cool weather.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in a state in India.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, which means he is the leader of the state government.
Patrolling vehicles -: Patrolling vehicles are cars or motorcycles used by police to keep an eye on the roads and help people in emergencies.
Shimla -: Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its hills and cool climate.
Nurpur Police District -: Nurpur Police District is an area in Himachal Pradesh where the police work to keep people safe.
Speed guns -: Speed guns are devices used by police to check how fast vehicles are going on the road.
Body-worn cameras -: Body-worn cameras are small cameras that police officers wear to record what they see and do while on duty.
Alco sensors -: Alco sensors are devices used by police to check if someone has been drinking alcohol.
Rs 27 crore -: Rs 27 crore is a large amount of money, where ‘Rs’ stands for Indian Rupees, the currency of India.
Rs 90 crore -: Rs 90 crore is another large amount of money in Indian Rupees, used for advanced patrolling and surveillance.
AI-equipped cameras -: AI-equipped cameras are smart cameras that use Artificial Intelligence to help in monitoring and safety.
Kangra -: Kangra is a district in Himachal Pradesh, known for its tea gardens and beautiful scenery.
Mandi -: Mandi is another district in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its temples and cultural heritage.